verb. (old cant).—1. To hold one’s tongue; to keep quiet; to leave off: e.g., ‘STOW IT!’ = ‘Be quiet’; ‘STOW YOUR WHIDDS AND PLANT ’EM; FOR THE COVE OF THE KEN CAN CANT ’EM’ = ‘Take care what you say, for the Master of the House understands you’ (HARMAN, B. E., GROSE, and VAUX). Also Stowmarket (BEE).
1838. DICKENS, Oliver Twist, xv. ‘STOW that gammon,’ interposed the robber.
1887. W. S. GILBERT, Ruddigore, i. But ’taint for a British seaman to brag, so I’ll just stow my jawin’ tackle and belay.
