n.
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English tow- spinning; akin to Old Norse t ō tuft of wool for spinning, Old English tawian to prepare for use ― more at TAW
Date: 14th century
1 : short or broken fiber (as of flax, hemp, or synthetic material) that is used especially for yarn, twine, or stuffing
2 a : yarn or cloth made of tow b : a loose essentially untwisted strand of synthetic fibers