v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Masticated p. pr. & vb. n. Masticating ] [ L. masticatus, p. p. of masticare to chew, prob. fr. mastiche mastic. See Mastic. ] To grind or crush with, or as with, the teeth and prepare for swallowing and digestion; to chew; as, to masticate food. [ 1913 Webster ]
