- OE. owenawenaghen, to have, own, have (to do), hence, owe, AS. āgan to have; akin to G. eigen, a., own, Icel. eiga to have, Dan. eie, Sw. äga, Goth. áigan, Skr. īç. √110. Cf. Oughtv., 2d OwnFraught
- To possess; to have, as the rightful owner; to own.ObsThou dost here usurp The name thou ow'st not.
- 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 victory to his lieutenants.O deem thy fall not owed to man's decree.
- 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 other fifty.A son owes help and honor to his father.
- To have an obligation to (some one) on account of something done or received; to be indebted to; as, to owe the grocer for supplies, or a laborer for services.
