The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Bow \Bow\ (b[=o]), n. [Icel. b[=o]gr shoulder, bow of a ship.
   See Bough.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. (Naut.) The bending or rounded part of a ship forward; the
      stream or prow.
      [1913 Webster]
   2. (Naut.) One who rows in the forward part of a boat; the
      bow oar.
      [1913 Webster]
   Bow chaser (Naut.), a gun in the bow for firing while
      chasing another vessel. --Totten.
      [1913 Webster]
   Bow piece, a piece of ordnance carried at the bow of a
      ship.
   On the bow (Naut.), on that part of the horizon within
      45[deg] on either side of the line ahead. --Totten.
      [1913 Webster]