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cow²

(kou)

tr.v. cowed, cow·ing, cows

To frighten or subdue with threats or a show of force. See Synonyms at intimidate.

[Probably of Scandinavian origin.]

cowed·ly (-ĭd-lē) adv.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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