tow

One or more barges or other floating vessels in the charge of a self-propelled vessel which has undertaken to transport such responsibility elsewhere. A tow is made-up when it has been hitched together and made ready for moving. A barge moored to the front of a towing vessel is the towbarge and the ones out in front are the lead barges. When a barge is towed alongside a towboat, it is "slung under her arm" or on the hip". When pulled behind, the barges are said to be "railroaded." When loosely coupled behind, it is called the "mule train." (TNDOT1)

When one or more vessels are being towed; when a tug is towing one or more floating objects; to pull an object in the water by means of a rope.