throe UK /θɹəʊ/US /θɹoʊ/noun 5verb 2forms 3 noun5 •A severe pang or spasm of pain, especially one experienced when the uterus contracts during childbirth, or when a person is about to die.O man haue mind of that last bitter throw; / For as the tree does fall, so lyes it euer low. — 1590 •[usually plural] (figurative) A hard struggle, especially one associated with the beginning or finishing of a task. •[usually plural] The pain of labour or childbirth; the suffering of death. •Any severe pang or spasm, especially an outburst of feeling; a paroxysm.I had then such Convulsions in my Stomach, for want of some Sustenance, that I cannot describe; with such frequent Throws and Pangs of Appetite, that nothing but the Tortures of Death can imitate; […] — 1719 •Synonym of froe (“a cleaving tool for splitting cask staves and shingles from a block of wood”). verb2 •(no longer used) To cause (someone) to feel throes, as if in childbirth; to put in agony.Pre-thee say on, / The setting of thine eye, and cheeke proclaime / A matter from thee; and a birth, indeed, / Which throwes thee much to yeeld. — 1610 •(no longer used) To feel throes; to struggle in extreme pain; to be in agony; to agonize.[W]hile yet he gazed at the wonderful countenance, his memory began to throe and struggle. — 1880 formsthroed · throeing · throes
