That is a logical explanation for the origin of the current use of the American term "bow saw." But since the 1940s, in America, the term bow saw has been almost universally used to refer to a metal-tube framed firewood cutting saw.
This has universally been called a bow saw:
10-30-23.jpg
Here's another: http://www.lowes.com/pd_20268-44384-...ductId=4363243
Before these saw frames were invented, NOTHING was regularly called a bow saw in America, and turning saws had gone out of favor by the time Henry Disston opened for business in 1940.
As for the dictionary definition, it fits either configuration.
It seems,from several sources, that "bow saw" is the older term for turning saws, the first such saws having been made from wood bent to hold a tensioned blade (very like a bow). When more sophisticated mechanisms were developed to hold a blade in tension, they began to be named according to their purpose, such as a "chair maker's saw," "veneer saw" and so on.
frame saw types.jpg
So, I guess my only concern is that the more definitions there are for a given term the less clear its meaning in use.
On this forum, most readers will know that the term "bow saw" means a wood-framed narrow-bladed saw. Anywhere else, the 20% of the population who know a tool from a ghoul would think of the steel-tube framed saw.
I have made much ado about very little. Keep the blades sharp! (I'll keep thinking and saying turning saw. Hope you'll all know what I mean