Chaw is a slang term for a piece of a plug of chewing tobacco. When you bite off a mouthful of the plug, you just got a chaw of tobacco.

Chaw (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Chawed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Chawing.] [See Chew.]

1.

To grind with the teeth; to masticate, as food in eating; to chew, as the cud; to champ, as the bit.

The trampling steed, with gold and purple trapped, Chawing the foamy bit, there fiercely stood. Surrey.

2.

To ruminate in thought; to consider; to keep the mind working upon; to brood over.

Dryden.

A word formerly in good use, but now regarded as vulgar.

 

© Webster 1913.


Chaw, n. [See Chaw, v. t.]

1.

As much as is put in the mouth at once; a chew; a quid.

[Law]

2. [Cf. Jaw.]

The jaw.

[Obs.]

Spenser.

Chaw bacon, a rustic; a bumpkin; a lout. Law -- Chaw tooth, a grinder. Law

 

© Webster 1913.

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