jow
RareDialectal/Literary/Archaic
Definition
Meaning
To ring or toll a bell, or to strike something with a dull, heavy sound.
The sound of a bell or a heavy impact; historically, also refers to the jaw or cheek (Scots/dialectal).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'jow' primarily relates to sound, specifically the deep, resonant ringing of a large bell or a heavy blow. The noun form, chiefly Scottish, meaning 'jaw' or 'cheek', is now rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is virtually obsolete in American English. In British English, it persists only in specific Scottish dialects or in archaic/literary contexts.
Connotations
In British (Scottish) usage, carries a rustic, historical, or regional flavour. In any modern context, it sounds archaic.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, marginally higher in historical texts or Scottish dialect writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Verb + Object (e.g., jow the bell)Verb + Adverbial (e.g., jow mournfully)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To jow the bells backwards (to sound an alarm or signal distress)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or dialectological studies.
Everyday
Not used in modern standard English.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The sexton would jow the great bell at noon.
- He heard the clock jow out the midnight hour.
American English
- In the old tale, they jow the bell to summon the town.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjectival use.
American English
- No standard adjectival use.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The big bell can jow loudly.
- In the story, a single bell jows from the distant church.
- The mournful sound of the jowing bell echoed across the glen.
- A profound silence followed the last, deeply jowed note of the passing bell.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bell in a TOWER going 'JOW, JOW' as it swings.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS PHYSICAL IMPACT (the deep sound 'strikes' the ear).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'jaw' (челюсть), though historically related. The primary meaning is auditory, not anatomical.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a modern synonym for 'say' or 'shout'.
- Spelling it as 'jowl' (which is a different word).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of the verb 'to jow'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic or dialectal.
Historically and in Scots dialect, it can refer to the jaw or cheek, but this usage is now obsolete in standard English.
You might find it in historical novels, poetry, or texts describing Scottish dialects and older bell-ringing practices.
It rhymes with 'now' or 'cow', pronounced /dʒaʊ/.