1. To possess; to have, as the rightful owner; to own. "Thou dost here
usurp The name thou ow'st not." (Shak)
2. To have or possess, as something derived or bestowed; to be obliged to ascribe (something to some source); to be indebted or obliged for; as, he owed
his wealth to
his father; he owed
his victoty to
his lieutenants." "O
deem thy
fall not owed to man's decree." (Pope)
3. Hence: To have or be
under an obigation to restore, pay, or render (something) in
return or
compensation for something received; to be indebted in the sum of; as, the subject owes allegiance; the fortunate
owe assistance to the unfortunate. "The one ought
five hundred pence, and the another fifty." (Bible (1551)) "A son owes
help and
honor to
his father." (Holyday)
Owe was sometimes followed by an
objective clause
represent by the infinitive. "Ye owen to
incline and
bow your heart."
4. To have an obligation to (some one) on account of something done or received; to be indebted to; as, to iwe the
grocer for supplies, or a laborer for services.
Origin: OE. Owen, awen,aghen, to have, own, have (to do), hence, owe, AS. Agan to have;
akin to G. Eigen, a, own, Icel. Eiga to have, Dan. Eie, Sw. Aga, Goth. Aigan, Skr. . Cf. Ought, 2d Own, Fraught.
Source: Websters Vocabulary