Definition of tug

• v. t. - To pull or draw with great effort; to draw along with continued exertion; to haul along; to tow; as, to tug a loaded cart; to tug a ship into port.
• v. t. - To pull; to pluck.
• v. i. - To pull with great effort; to strain in labor; as, to tug at the oar; to tug against the stream.
• v. i. - To labor; to strive; to struggle.
• n. - A pull with the utmost effort, as in the athletic contest called tug of war; a supreme effort.
• n. - A sort of vehicle, used for conveying timber and heavy articles.
• n. - A small, powerful steamboat used to tow vessels; -- called also steam tug, tugboat, and towboat.
• n. - A trace, or drawing strap, of a harness.
• n. - An iron hook of a hoisting tub, to which a tackle is affixed.