Owe  v. (owing) 1 a be under obligation (to a person etc.) To pay or repay (money, gratitude, etc.). B (usu. Foll. By for) be in debt. 2 have a duty to render (owe allegiance). 3 (usu. Foll. By to) be indebted to a person or thing for (we owe our success to the weather). [old english]