steelbow

noun

steel·​bow

ˈstēlˌbō,

-bau̇

1

: the farming stock, implements, and other materials formerly supplied to a tenant farmer in Scotland by the landlord under a contract stipulating that these goods must be returned or compensated for at the expiration of the tenancy

2

: a type of contract formerly in use in Scotland under which a tenant farmer must at the expiration of his tenancy return to his landlord the farming goods supplied by the landlord or compensate him for them

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stelebow, from stele steel + bow farm stock; from the understanding that the amount must be rigidly preserved and returned (farm tenant)

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now