To form into the shape of a bow or arch; to curve or bend like a bow.
From 'em-' (to cause to be) + 'bow' (curved shape), from Old English 'boga' and Germanic roots. The verb means to make something take on a bow-like curved form.
Architects and bridge engineers use principles of embowing in their designs—curved arches can hold more weight than straight beams, which is why Roman aqueducts have lasted 2,000 years!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.