England now is left To tug and scamble and to part by the teeth The
unowed interest of proud-swelling state.
Shak.
Tug, n. 1. A pull with the utmost effort, as in the athletic contest
called tug of war; a supreme effort.
At the tug he falls, Vast ruins come along, rent from the smoking
walls.
Dryden.
2. A sort of vehicle, used for conveying timber and heavy articles.
[Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.
3. (Naut.) A small, powerful steamboat used to tow vessels; — called
also steam tug, tugboat, and towboat.