tong1

[tawng, tong] /tɔŋ, tɒŋ/
noun
1.
tongs.
verb (used with object)
2.
to lift, seize, gather, hold, or handle with tongs, as logs or oysters.
verb (used without object)
3.
to use, or work with, tongs.
Origin
before 900; 1865-70, for def 2; Middle English tong(e) (singular), tongen, tonges (plural), Old English; cognate with Dutch tang, German Zange pair of tongs or pincers; akin to Greek dáknein to bite
Related forms
tonger, noun

tong2

[tawng, tong] /tɔŋ, tɒŋ/
noun
1.
(in China) an association, society, or political party.
2.
(among Chinese living in the U.S.) a fraternal or secret society, often associated with criminal activities.
Origin
1880-85, Americanism; < dialectal Chinese (Guangdong) tòhng, akin to Chinese táng meeting hall
British Dictionary definitions for tong

tong1

/tɒŋ/
verb (transitive)
1.
to gather or seize with tongs
2.
to curl or style (hair) with curling tongs

tong2

/tɒŋ/
noun
1.
(formerly) a Chinese secret society or association, esp one popularly assumed to engage in criminal activities
Word Origin
C20: from Chinese (Cantonese) t'ong meeting place
Word Origin and History for tong

Tong

"Chinese secret society," 1883, from Cantonese t'ong "assembly hall."

Idioms and Phrases with tong

tong

see: hammer and tongs