dʒɔ: n. & v. --n. 1 a
each of
the upper
and lower
bony structures in vertebrates forming the
framework of the
mouth and containing the
teeth. b the parts of
certain invertebrates used
for the ingestion of
food. 2 a (in pl.) the mouth
with its bones and teeth. b the
narrow mouth of a
valley, channel, etc. c the gripping parts of a
tool or
machine. d gripping-power (jaws of death). 3 colloq. a talkativeness;
tedious talk (hold
your jaw). b a sermonizing talk; a
lecture. --v. colloq. 1 intr.
speak esp. at tedious
length. 2 tr. a
persuade by
talking. b
admonish or lecture. øjaw-breaker colloq. a
word that is
very long or
hard to
pronounce. [ME f. OF joe
cheek, jaw, of uncert. orig.]