Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CHAW, v.t. [Sax. ceowan; D. kaauwen; G. kauen; Ir. cagnaim, or cognaim; Arm. jaoga, or chaguein; coinciding with jaw, which in Arm. is javed, gaved or chagell, and as cheek and jaw are often united, this word coincides with Sax. ceac, ceoca. It is most correctly written and pronounced chaw; but chew is deemed most elegant.]

1. To grind with the teeth; to masticate, as food in eating; to ruminate, or to chew as the end.
2. To ruminate in thought; to revolve and consider. [Obs.]