The term STOWS (AWAY) can be broken down into two crossword solutions: HIDES (5 letters) and SALTS (5 letters). HIDES is a verb meaning to put something out of sight or conceal it, while SALTS is a verb meaning to preserve food by adding salt. Stowing away is an act of hiding oneself on a ship or other form of transportation in order to travel without paying for a ticket. This is often done by stowing away in a hidden area of the vessel, such as a cargo hold, and is illegal in most countries.