Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CHAMP, v.t. [Fr. champayer, I have not found. Qu. Gr. καπτω, for m is often casual before a labial, and in Gr. γαμφαι, is the jaws.]

1. To bite with repeated action of the teeth; as, a horse champs the bit.
2. To bite into small pieces; to chew; to masticate; to devour. Dryden.