jaw

Where “jaw” sits in English frequency

Definition

1. 1
   One of the bones, usually bearing teeth, which form the framework of the mouth.
2. 2
   The part of the face below the mouth.
3. 3
   Anything resembling the jaw (sense 1) of an animal in form or action; the mouth or way of entrance.
4. 4
   A notch or opening.
5. 5
   A notched or forked part, adapted for holding an object in place.
6. 6
   One of a pair of opposing parts which are movable towards or from each other, for grasping or crushing anything between them.
7. 7
   The inner end of a boom or gaff, hollowed in a half circle so as to move freely on a mast.
8. 8
   Impudent, abusive, or worthless talk.
9. 9
   An axle guard.
10. 10
    The curved part of the cushion marking the entry to the pocket.

Etymology

From Middle English jawe/jowe (“jaw; sides of the lower face”, 14th century), the further origin of which is disputed. Either: * From Anglo-Norman jowe, from Old French joe (“cheek; jaw”), from Vulgar Latin *ga(v)ota (“cheek”), of uncertain further origin. ** It has been objected that the rhyming of jowe (“jaw”) with clowe (“claw”) in Middle English demonstrates that it did not have the vowel /uː/. This would be a concern if /uː/ were the vowel to expect from a borrowing of the Old French word, which it is not. Compare English paw < Middle English pawe/powe < Anglo-Norman powe < Old French poe. * From Middle English *chowe, from Old English *ċēowe. The main difficulties with this theory are the notable lack of evidence and the late attestation of chaw (early 16th century). If it is correct, then the further origin would be Proto-West Germanic *keuwā (“jaw”), whence Saterland Frisian Kiuwe, Dutch kieuw, German Keu, Käu. For the initial consonant, compare jowl as a variant of chavel/chawl. It is also conceivable that the word is a merger of two coincidentally similar sources. Gradually displaced Middle English chavel (from Old English ċeafl).

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