Bowes

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. Plural form of a curved weapon used for shooting arrows; collective term for decorative knot-like fabric ties used in clothing or hair; also the surname of a family or person
2. Refers to multiple flexible arms that launch projectiles; denotes several ornamental fabric loops tied for style; or identifies a group of individuals sharing a particular last name
3. Several curved implements designed to propel arrows; various tied ribbons used as fashion accessories; or the name associated with a lineage or persons carrying that surname

Etymology: "Bowes" is the plural of "bowe," an older English form of "bow," the curved wooden weapon that fires arrows. The plural ending simply reflects the regular Middle English pattern for nouns of this kind, so the form tells us less about the word's history than the singular does. Its meaning here, curved arrow launchers, is the sense of the bow as a weapon rather than the ribbon knot or the act of bending forward.

Synonyms: bows, arches