tug

views updated May 23 2018

tug / təg/ • v. (tugged, tug·ging) [tr.] pull (something) hard or suddenly: she tugged off her boots | [intr.] he tugged at Tom's coat sleeve. • n. 1. a hard or sudden pull: another tug and it came loose | fig. an overwhelming tug of attraction. 2. short for tugboat. ∎  an aircraft towing a glider.3. a loop from a horse's saddle that supports a shaft or trace.DERIVATIVES: tug·ger n.

tug

views updated May 11 2018

tug vb. XIII (togge). f. weak grade of Gmc. *teux- (repr. by OE. tēon, OHG. ziohan, G. ziehen) draw, pull:- IE. *deuk- (repr. by L. dūcere lead).
Hence tug sb. (chiefly pl.) chains, traces, studs, to maintain attachment, connection, etc. XIII; act of pulling, or struggling XVI; (dial.) timber waggon XVIII; small powerful vessel for towing XIX.

TUG

views updated May 23 2018

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