tong

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.

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.

verb (tr)

1. to gather or seize with tongs
2. to curl or style (hair) with curling tongs

noun

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

“Chinese secret society,” 1883, from Cantonese t’ong “assembly hall.”

see hammer and tongs.