Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PLOW, n. [Norm. ploge; Sax. ploge; D. ploeg; G. pflug Dan. ploug, plov; Ice. plog; Sw. id.; Russ. plug; Polish, plug; Scot. pleuch, pleugh. It corresponds in elements with plug, and both perhaps from thrusting.]

1. In agriculture, an instrument for turning up, breaking and preparing the ground for receiving the seed. It is drawn by oxen or horses, and saves the labor of digging; it is therefore the most useful instrument in agriculture. The emperor lays hold of the plow and turns up several furrows. – Grosier, Trans. Where fern succeeds, ungrateful to the plow. – Dryden.
2. Figuratively, tillage; culture of the earth; agriculture.
3. A joiner's instrument for grooving.