tewing

Verb

tew (third-person singular simple present tews, present participle tewing, simple past and past participle tewed)

1. To tow along, as a vessel.
   • By which the Danes had then their full-fraught Navies tew’d:1612, Michael Drayton, Poly-Olbion, song 12 p. 197
2. To prepare (leather, hemp, etc.) by beating or working; to taw.
   • It' I bequeath to Richard Smythe, of Steton, my best losyn sherte, a tewed bull skyn, a bushell of wheate, and a bushel of barlie.1910 (quoting work from 1551), The Publications of the Thoresby Society - Volumes 18-19, page 280
3. (broadly) To beat; to scourge.
   • with the king ran also Dyvers others, who all returning brought Cudgells and wandes in their hands all to be tewed, as if they had beaten him extreamly.1607, ?Gavriel Archer, A relayton of the Discovery of our River, from Iames Forte into the Maine
4. To muddle; to mix up.
   • Within here, h'as made the gayest sport with Tom the Coachman, so tewed him up with Sack that he lies lashing a But of Malmsie for his Mares.1639, John Fletcher, Wit Without Money
5. To work at or worry.
   • The book was in town, I sent a Friend for it, who brought it to the governor: the priest tewed and turned it, but could not find any thing to prove his charge.1829, William Edmundson, A Journal of the Life, Travels, Safferings and Labour of Love in the Work of the Ministry, page 79
6. To harangue or argue with.
   • You should have ta'en her then, turn'd her, and tewed her I' th' strength of all her resolution, flatter'd her, and shaked her stubborn will; she would have thank'd you, She would have loved you infinitely;1647, John Fletcher, William Rowley, The Maid in the Mill

See all 14 meanings of tew