bow-window
(ˈbəʊ-ˈwɪndəʊ)
[f. bow n.1]
1. A Bay-window segmentally curved on plan; called in A.P.S. Dict. Arch., a Bow Bay-window.
Often used as co-extensive with bay-window, whence ‘such absurdities of diction as {oqq}square bow windows{cqq}’. Bay-window is generic, bow-window specific, and of much later rise, this form of bay being rare in earlier times.
| 1753 Richardson Grandison (1781) VI. xxiv. 136 The other seats of the bow-window. 1794 H. Repton Landscape Gard. (1805) 178 Large recesses or bays, sometimes called bowre windows, and now bow windows. 1816 Jane Austen Emma ii. ix. 198 A string of dawdling children round the baker's bow-window. 1850 Thackeray Pendennis xxxv. (1884) 339 His common lounge was the bow-window of White's. |
2. slang. A big belly.
| 1840 Marryat Poor Jack i, A very large man..with what is termed a considerable bow-window in front. |
Hence ˈbow-ˌwindowed, having bow-windows; also (slang) big-bellied.
| 1868 Holme Lee B. Godfrey ix. 44 The upstairs bow⁓windowed room. 1850 Thackeray Pendennis xxxiv. (1884) 334 Look at that very bow-windowed man. |