cow1
¦ noun
1. a fully grown female animal of a domesticated breed of ox.
(in farming) an animal of this type which has borne more than one calf. Compare with
heifer.
the female of certain other large animals, e.g. elephant, rhinoceros, or whale.
2. informal, derogatory an unpleasant or disliked woman.
Austral./NZ an unpleasant person or thing.
Phrases
have a cow N. Amer. informal become angry or excited.
till the cows come home informal for an indefinitely long time.
Origin
OE cu?, of Gmc origin.
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cow2
¦ verb cause (someone) to submit to one's wishes by intimidation.
Origin
C16: prob. from ON kuga 'oppress'.