Naut. [f. BOW sb.3] trans. Of a ship: To cut (the water) with the bow.

1

1858.  Merc. Mar. Mag., V. 199. Sea very turbulent … ship bowing it admirably.

2

1867.  Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Bowing the sea, meeting a turbulent swell in coming to the wind.

3