Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Cow \Cow\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Cowed} (koud);; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Cowing}.] [Cf. Icel. kuga, Sw. kufva to check, subdue, Dan.
   kue. Cf. {Cuff}, v. t.]
   To depress with fear; to daunt the spirits or courage of; to
   overawe.

         To vanquish a people already cowed.      --Shak.

         THe French king was cowed.               --J. R. Green.