Definition of stow

The Origin of the Word "Stow" The word "stow" as a verb meaning "to put away or store" has an uncertain origin, with possible Germanic and Old English roots. In Middle English, the word "stowe" was used as a noun meaning "refuge" or "place of safety," and it later came to mean a building or structure used for storage or accommodation, such as a storehouse or inn. The linguist Ernest Weekley believed that "stow" may have originated from the Old English word "stān," meaning "to stand" or "place," in the sense of putting something in its proper place or position. Another theory suggests that "stow" comes from the Old English word "stowan," meaning "to prepare" or "arrange," as in preparing a room or space for storage. Interestingly, the word "stowe" also evolved from the Middle English period, with the same meaning of a place of refuge or safety, such as a church, monastery, or retirement home. This could be related to the etymology of "stow" as a verb, as these places would often have storage spaces as well. In its modern sense of "to store" or "put away," the exact origin of the word "stow" remains somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to have come from the Middle English verb "stowen," which meant "to supply" or "provide" for oneself, as in stocking up on supplies for future use. This usage eventually evolved to include ideas of putting away or storing items. In summary, the origin of the word "stow" is complex and multifaceted, with possible links to Old English words for "standing," "preparation," and "provision." Whether its modern use as a verb or its historical uses as a noun, "stow" has a rich and varied past that sheds light on the evolution of English language.