The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Stow \Stow\ (st[=o]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stowed (st[=o]d); p.
   pr. & vb. n. Stowing.] [OE. stowen, fr. stowe a place, AS.
   stow; cf. Icel. eldst[=o]a fireplace, hearth, OFries. st[=o],
   and E. stand. [root]163.]
   1. To place or arrange in a compact mass; to put in its
      proper place, or in a suitable place; to pack; as, to
      stowbags, bales, or casks in a ship's hold; to stow hay in
      a mow; to stow sheaves.
      [1913 Webster]

            Some stow their oars, or stop the leaky sides.
                                                  --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To put away in some place; to hide; to lodge.
      [1913 Webster]

            Foul thief! where hast thou stowed my daughter?
                                                  --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. To arrange anything compactly in; to fill, by packing
      closely; as, to stow a box, car, or the hold of a ship.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Stowing \Stow"ing\, n. (Mining)
   A method of working in which the waste is packed into the
   space formed by excavating the vein.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

stowing
    n 1: the act of packing or storing away [syn: stowage,
         stowing]