Word of the Day

Sunday, June 13, 1999

taw

\TO\ , noun;

A large marble used for shooting in the game of marbles.

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Quotes:

He is hiding or hoarding his Taws and Marbles.

-- Steele, Tatler No. 30, 1709

A still greater favourite is shooting a 'taw', which requires no small dexterity.

-- Grant,

Origin:

Of uncertain origin, but possibly from the letter T (in Greek tau) used as a mark. Names for other marbles: commoney, "a marble of a common sort"; ally or alley (a contraction of alabaster, of which it was originally made), a choice marble or taw; one of real marble or alabaster in contrast with those of terra cotta.