Hypertext Webster Gateway: "towboat"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

2. A steamer used for towing other vessels; a tug.

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

At the tug he falls, Vast ruins come along, rent
from the smoking walls. --Dryden.

2. A sort of vehicle, used for conveying timber and heavy
articles. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.

3. (Naut.) A small, powerful steamboat used to tow vessels;
-- called also {steam tug}, {tugboat}, and {towboat}.

4. A trace, or drawing strap, of a harness.

5. (Mining.) An iron hook of a hoisting tub, to which a
tackle is affixed.

{Tug iron}, an iron hook or button to which a tug or trace
may be attached, as on the shaft of a wagon.

From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)

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