tong (redirected from tonged)

tong ¹  (tông, tng)

tr.v. tonged, tong·ing, tongs

To seize, hold, or manipulate with tongs.

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[Back-formation from tongs.]

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tong ²  (tông, tng)

n.

1. A Chinese association or political party.

2. An association or a secret society of Chinese in the United States, believed to be involved in organized crime.

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[Chinese (Cantonese) t'ng, assembly hall, familial relationship between cousins, equivalent to Chinese (Mandarin) táng.]

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tong¹

vb (tr)

1. to gather or seize with tongs

2. (Clothing, Personal Arts & Crafts / Hairdressing & Grooming) to curl or style (hair) with curling tongs

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tong²

n

(Historical Terms) (formerly) a Chinese secret society or association, esp one popularly assumed to engage in criminal activities

[from Chinese (Cantonese) t'ong meeting place]