v. & n.
--v.tr. (also absol.) work (food etc.) between the teeth; crush or indent with the teeth.
--n.
1. an act of chewing.
2 something for chewing, esp. a chewy sweet.
Phrases and idioms:
chew the cud reflect, ruminate. chew the fat (or rag) sl.
1. chat.
2 grumble. chewing-gum flavoured gum, esp. chicle, for chewing.
chew on
1. work continuously between the teeth (chewed on a piece of string).
2 think about; meditate on. chew out US colloq. reprimand.
chew over
1. discuss, talk over.
2 think about; meditate on.
Derivatives:
chewable adj. chewer n.
Etymology: OE ceowan