Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Bow \Bow\ (b[=o]), n. [Icel. b[=o]gr shoulder, bow of a ship.
   See {Bough}.]
   1. (Naut.) The bending or rounded part of a ship forward; the
      stream or prow.

   2. (Naut.) One who rows in the forward part of a boat; the
      bow oar.

   {Bow chaser} (Naut.), a gun in the bow for firing while
      chasing another vessel. --Totten. 

   {Bow piece}, a piece of ordnance carried at the bow of a
      ship.

   {On the bow} (Naut.), on that part of the horizon within
      45[deg] on either side of the line ahead. --Totten.