/tow"euhl, towl/ , n. , v. , toweled, toweling or ( esp. Brit. ) towelled, towelling .
n.
1. an absorbent cloth or paper for wiping and drying something wet, as one for the hands, face, or body after washing or bathing.
2. throw in the towel , Informal. to concede defeat; give up; yield: He vowed he would never throw in the towel.
v.t.
3. to wipe or dry with a towel.
[ 1250-1300; ME (n.) toaille cloth for washing or wiping thwahlio ( > OHG dwahilla, akin to dwahal bath); c. Goth thwahl, thweal washing ]