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bow

bow , implement used in playing stringed instruments. Its name originated from the fact that in its early form it resembled an archer's bow, but by the 17th cent. the European bow had gradually become flat. The violin bow received its definitive form during the period from 1775 to 1781 at the hands of François Tourte (1747-1835). He made the bow of brazilwood (Pernambuco wood), gave it a slightly concave curvature, and invented the device by which the horsehairs are held in place and tightened. The cello and the double bass are played with a bow that is shorter, broader, and heavier than the violin bow.

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bow

The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military | 2001 | Â© The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military 2001, originally published by Oxford University Press 2001. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

bow bow also bows n. the front end of a ship: water sprayed high over her bows.
on the bow within 45° of the point directly ahead.

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"bow." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 12 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"bow." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (November 12, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O63-bow.html

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The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Â© The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable 2006, originally published by Oxford University Press 2006. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

bow1 a bow at a venture a chance attempt at something, from the biblical ‘a certain man drew a bow at a venture’ (1 Kings 22:34).

See also bow of promise.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "bow." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 12 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "bow." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (November 12, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-bow.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "bow." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Retrieved November 12, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-bow.html

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