Owe /(ō)/

Owe

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Owed; p. pr. & vb. n. Owing

  1. To possess; to have, as the rightful owner; to own. obs.
    Thou dost here usurp The name thou ow'st not.
  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 victory to his lieutenants.
    O deem thy fall not owed to man's decree.
  3. 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.
    — Bible (1551).
    A son owes help and honor to his father.
    — Holyday.
  4. 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.