Tow

n.
  1. A rope by which anything is towed; a towline, or towrope.
  2. The act of towing, or the state of being towed; -- chiefly used in the phrase, to take in tow, that is to tow.
  3. That which is towed, or drawn by a towline, as a barge, raft, collection of boats, ect.