v.tr. (past sowed; past part. sown or sowed) 1 (also absol.) a scatter (seed) on or in the earth. b (often foll. by with) plant (a field etc.) with seed. 2 initiate; arouse (sowed doubt in her mind). 3 (foll. by with) cover thickly with. sow the seed (or seeds) of first give rise to; implant (an idea etc.). sower n. sowing n.
[ OE sawan f. Gmc ]