jaw Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth
noun the bones of the skull that frame the mouth and serve to open it; the bones that hold the teeth
noun holding device consisting of one or both of the opposing parts of a tool that close to hold an object
verb talk socially without exchanging too much information
shoot the breeze; chit-chat; chew the fat; confab; chitchat; claver; visit; chaffer; chat; natter; gossip; chatter; confabulate.
- the men were sitting in the cafe and shooting the breeze
verb talk incessantly and tiresomely
yack; yap away; yack away; rattle on.
verb chew (food); to bite and grind with the teeth
chew; masticate; manducate.
- He jawed his bubble gum
- Chew your food and don't swallow it!
- The cows were masticating the grass
verb censure severely or angrily
call on the carpet; rag; dress down; remonstrate; chew out; take to task; call down; lambast; trounce; scold; chide; berate; chew up; have words; rebuke; reprimand; reproof; lecture; bawl out; lambaste.
- The mother scolded the child for entering a stranger's car
- The deputy ragged the Prime Minister
- The customer dressed down the waiter for bringing cold soup

A modification of chaw, formed under the influence of F. joue the cheek. See Chaw, Chew.

(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.
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.
(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.
(Naut.) The inner end of a boom or gaff, hollowed in a half circle so as to move freely on a mast.
Impudent or abusive talk. Slang H. Kingsley.

imperfect & past participle Jawed ; present participle & verbal noun Jawing

To scold; to clamor. Law generally, to talk, esp. long-windedly or without special purpose Smollett.