Added 9 October 2026
thew
/θjuː/ noun
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about thew at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- An attractive physical attribute; also, physical, mental, or moral strength or vigour. An aspect of the body which indicates physical strength; hence, muscle and/or sinew; muscular development.
- An attractive physical attribute; also, physical, mental, or moral strength or vigour.
- An aspect of the body which indicates physical strength; hence, muscle and/or sinew; muscular development.
verb
Origin
From Middle English theu, thew (“way of behaving towards others, bearing, manners; habit, practice; good manners, courtesy; characteristic act; characteristic, trait; custom, tradition; established rule, ordinance; injunction; moral character; (in the plural) set of moral principles, morals; moral quality, virtue or vice; might, power, strength”) [and other forms] (often in the plural form theus, thewes), from Old English þēaw (“general practice of a community, custom, usage; mode of conduct, behaviour, manner; (in the plural) customs, virtue”) [and other forms], from Proto-West Germanic *þauw, from Proto-Germanic *þawwaz (“custom; habit”); further etymology uncertain, tentatively identified.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)