tong 1
— tonger , n.
/tawng, tong/ , n.
1. tongs.
v.t.
2. to lift, seize, gather, hold, or handle with tongs, as logs or oysters.
v.i.
3. to use, or work with, tongs.
[ bef. 900; 1865-70, for def. 2; ME tong ( e ) (sing.), tongen, tonges (pl.), OE; c. D tang, G Zange pair of tongs or pincers; akin to Gk dáknein to bite ]
tong 2
/tawng, tong/ , n.
1. (in China) an association, society, or political party.
2. (among Chinese living in the U.S.) a fraternal or secret society, often associated with criminal activities.
[ 1880-85, Amer. ; tòhng, akin to Chin táng meeting hall ]