jawbone
Meaning
the bone that forms the lower part of the face; the mandible.
to try to persuade someone to do something, especially by using one's position of power or authority.
Structure
Usage
the impact fractured his jawbone.
the senator tried to jawbone the industry leaders into lowering prices.
archaeologists found a fossilized jawbone at the site.
Etymology
the word 'jawbone' is a transparent compound formed from two old english roots. 'jaw' has a complex history, likely descending from a proto-germanic root related to chewing or the cheek, while 'bone' comes from a common germanic term for hard tissue. the literal combination, 'jaw-bone', simply denotes the anatomical structure. its figurative verb sense, meaning to exert pressure through argument or influence, is a 20th-century americanism, drawing a metaphorical link between forceful talking and the physical action of the jaw.
Analysis
jaw (from middle english 'jawe', of uncertain origin, likely old english 'ceafl' meaning jaw, cheek) + bone (from old english 'bān', meaning bone, tusk).