in tow prepositional phrase2 •Pulled by means of an attached line, such as a cable, chain, or rope."Do you remember the ship? . . . I mean the dismasted eighty-four that was in tow of the frigate." — 1842 •(figurative) Following or accompanying under the direction of another, as if attached by a line and being pulled."He's got a man from Cincinnati in tow, and they are going to dine at the Calumet Club." — 1903
