— jawboning , n. , adj.
/jaw"bohn'/ , n. , v. , jawboned, jawboning , adj.
n.
1. a bone of either jaw; a maxilla or mandible.
2. the bone of the lower jaw; mandible.
v.t. , v.i.
3. Informal. to attempt to influence or pressure by persuasion rather than by the exertion of force or one's authority, as in urging voluntary compliance with economic guidelines: The President jawboned the steel industry into postponing price increases.
adj.
4. Informal. obtained by or resorting to such a practice: jawbone controls.
[ 1480-90; JAW 1 + BONE ]