/throh/ , n.
1. a violent spasm or pang; paroxysm.
2. a sharp attack of emotion.
3. throes ,
a. any violent convulsion or struggle: the throes of battle.
b. the agony of death.
c. the pains of childbirth.
[ 1150-1200; ME throwe, alter. of thrawe ( -o- from OE throwian to suffer, be in pain), OE thrawu; c. ON thra (in likthra leprosy) ]
Syn. 3a . upheaval, tumult, chaos, turmoil.