Tow (fibre)

In the textile industry, a tow (or hards) is a coarse, broken fibre, removed during processing flax, hemp, or jute^[1] and separated from the shives. Flax tows are often used as upholstery stuffing and oakum. Tows in general are frequently cut up to produce staple fibre. The very light color of flax tow is the source of the word "towhead", meaning a person with naturally light blond hair.^[2]

^ "Tow". Glossary of Colonial Terms. History Online. September 15, 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-09-15.
^ "Towhead". Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved November 28, 2016.

[1] "Tow". Glossary of Colonial Terms. History Online. September 15, 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-09-15.

[2] "Towhead". Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved November 28, 2016.

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