thew

Noun

CIDE DICTIONARY

thew, n.

Manner; custom; habit; form of behavior; qualities of mind; disposition; specifically, good qualities; virtues. [1913 Webster]
"[Chiefly used in the plural Thews (th.]"

"For her great light
Of sapience, and for her thews clear." [1913 Webster]

"Evil speeches destroy good thews." [1913 Webster]

"To be upbrought in gentle thews and martial might." [1913 Webster]
Muscle or strength; nerve; brawn; sinew. Shak. [1913 Webster]
"And I myself, who sat apart
And watched them, waxed in every limb;
I felt the thews of Anakim,
The pules of a Titan's heart." [1913 Webster]

thew, n. (often in pl.) literary 1 muscular strength.
2 mental or moral vigour.

Etymology

OE theaw usage, conduct, of unkn. orig.