jaw

v. t. To assail or abuse by scolding. [ Law ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ A modification of chaw, formed under the influence of F. joue the cheek. See Chaw, Chew. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Anat.) (a) One of the bones, usually bearing teeth, which form the framework of the mouth. (b) Hence, also, the bone itself with the teeth and covering. (c) In the plural, the mouth. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fig.: Anything resembling the jaw of an animal in form or action; esp., pl., the mouth or way of entrance; as, the jaws of a pass; the jaws of darkness; the jaws of death. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Mach.) (a) A notch or opening. (b) A notched or forked part, adapted for holding an object in place; as, the jaw of a railway-car pedestal. See Axle guard. (b) One of a pair of opposing parts which are movable towards or from each other, for grasping or crushing anything between them, as, the jaws of a vise, or the jaws of a stone-crushing machine. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Naut.) The inner end of a boom or gaff, hollowed in a half circle so as to move freely on a mast. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Impudent or abusive talk. [ Slang ] H. Kingsley.
Syn. -- lip. [ 1913 Webster ]

Jaw bit (Railroad), a bar across the jaws of a pedestal underneath an axle box. --
Jaw breaker, a word difficult to pronounce. [ Obs. ] --
Jaw rope (Naut.), a rope which holds the jaws of a gaff to the mast. --
Jaw tooth, a molar or grinder; a back tooth. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The bone of either jaw; a maxilla or a mandible.

v. t. & i. [ imp. & p. p. jawboned p. pr. & vb. n. jawboning. ] To attempt to influence solely by talking, as contrasted with threatening or inducing by other means, e.g. legislation; esp. to make public appeals in order to influence the behavior of businessmen or labor leaders; -- used especially of the President or other high government officials; as, to jawbone businessmen into forgoing price increases. [ 1913 Webster ]

-- jaw"bon*ing, n. [PJC]

a. Having jaws; -- chiefly in composition; as, lantern-jawed. “Jawed like a jetty.” Skelton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Depression of the jaw; hence, depression of spirits. M. Griffith (1660). [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Dejected; chopfallen. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Zool.) See Maxilliped. [ 1913 Webster ]