I. ˈtəg verb
( tugged ; tug·ging )
Etymology: Middle English tuggen; akin to Old English togian to pull — more at tow
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1. : to pull hard
2. : to struggle in opposition : contend
3. : to exert oneself laboriously : labor
transitive verb
1. : to pull or strain hard at
2.
a. : to move by pulling hard : haul
b. : to carry with difficulty : lug
3. : to tow with a tugboat
• tug·ger noun
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : trace III,1
b. : a short leather strap or loop
c. : a rope or chain used for pulling
2.
a. : an act or instance of tugging : pull
b. : a strong pulling force
3.
a. : a straining effort
b. : a struggle between two people or opposite forces
4. : tugboat