n. The operation of separating and arranging as desired the filaments of some fibrous material, as hatters' fur or (in Eastern countries) cotton, by vibrating a bow-string upon it.n. In music: The general method of using the bow in playing upon an instrument of the violin family.n. The method by which the notes of a given passage are distributed between up- and down-strokes of the bow.n. A lease of the dairy stock on a farm. See bower.