jaw

Meanings

Noun

  • One of the bones, usually bearing teeth, which form the framework of the mouth.
  • The part of the face below the mouth.
  • Anything resembling the jaw of an animal in form or action; especially plural, the mouth or way of entrance.
  • A notch or opening.
  • A notched or forked part, adapted for holding an object in place.
  • One of a pair of opposing parts which are movable towards or from each other, for grasping or crushing anything between them.
  • 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.
  • Axle guard.
  • The curved part of the cushion marking the entry to the pocket.

Verb

Adjective

Origin

  • From Middle English jawe, jowe, geowe, alteration of *chawe (in early Modern English chawe, chaw), from Proto-Germanic *kawǭ (compare Middle Dutch kauwe ("fish jaw"), kouwe, dialectal German Käu, Keu), gradation-variant of *kewǭ (compare Old English ċīan (pl.) ‘gills’, West Frisian kiuw ("gill"), Dutch kieuw ("gill")), noun from Proto-Germanic *kewwaną (compare English chew). More at chew. Alteration probably influenced by Middle English jolle, chaul, which it replaced (see jowl).
  • Uncertain, see Jew's harp for more.

Modern English dictionary

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