harrow — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A device consisting of a heavy framework having several disks or teeth in a row, which is dragged across ploughed land to smooth or break up the soil, to remove weeds or cover seeds; a harrow plow.

   Examples

   More examples (2)

   He sent for the carpenter, who was under contract to be with the threshing-machine, but it turned out that he was mending the harrows, which should have been mended the week before Lent.

   “It may be fun for her,” I said with one of my bitter laughs, “but it isn't so diverting for the unfortunate toads beneath the harrow whom she plunges so ruthlessly in the soup.”

   Part of your job would be to learn tractor ploughing and the use of planters, harrows, and cultivators.

2. An obstacle formed by turning an ordinary harrow upside down, the frame being buried.

Verb

1. To drag a harrow over; to break up with a harrow.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   Will he harrow the valleys after thee?

   More examples (1)

   When the corn was sown, I had no harrow, but was forced to go over it myself, and drag a great heavy bough of a tree over it, to scratch it, as it may be called, rather than rake or harrow it.

2. To traumatize or disturb; to torment, distress or vex.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   anguishdistresstrouble

   Examples

   It harrows me with fear and wonder.

   More examples (1)

   I could a Tale vnfold, vvhoſe lighteſt vvord / VVould harrovv vp thy ſoule, freeze thy young blood, / Make thy tvvo eyes like Starres, ſtart from their Spheres, / Thy knotty and combined locks to part, / And each particular haire to ſtand an end, / Like Quilles vpon the fretfull Porpentine: […]

   The headless horseman harrowed Ichabod Crane as he tried to reach the bridge.

3. To break or tear, as if with a harrow; to wound; to lacerate.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   damageharmtorture

   Examples

   my aged muscles harrow'd up with whips

Interjection

1. A call for help, or of distress, alarm etc.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Examples

   Harrow, the flames, which me consume (said hee) / Ne can be quencht, within my secret bowels bee.

Noun

1. a cultivator that pulverizes or smooths the soil

   Broader terms

   cultivatortiller

Verb

1. draw a harrow over (land)

   Synonyms

   disk

   Broader terms

   plowploughturn