har·row / ˈharō/ • n. an implement consisting of a heavy frame set with teeth or tines that is dragged over plowed land to break up clods, remove weeds, and cover seed.• v. [tr.] 1. draw a harrow over (land).2. cause distress to: Todd could take it, whereas I'm harrowed by it | [as adj.] (harrowing) a harrowing film about racism and violence. DERIVATIVES: har·row·er n.har·row·ing·ly adv.

harrow2 toothed timber-frame dragged over ploughed land to clean it. XIII. — ON. *harwjan-, prehistoric form of herfi, rel. obscurely to MLG., MDu. harke (Du. hark) rake.
Hence harrow vb. XIII; fig. lacerate the feelings of XVII.

harrow1 (arch.) rob, despoil (esp. harrow hell). XIII. ME. harwe, herwe, var. of herie HARRY.