jawbone
UK[ˈdʒɔːbəʊn]US[ˈdʒɑːboʊn]
n
the bone that forms the lower part of the face; the mandible.
v
to try to persuade someone to do something, especially by using one's position of power or authority.
Morpheme Breakdown
jaw
bone
jaw
bone
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
Structure: jaw + bone
jaw (from middle english 'jawe', of uncertain origin, likely old english 'ceafl' meaning jaw, cheek) + bone (from old english 'bān', meaning bone, tusk).
Examples
the impact fractured his jawbone.
the senator tried to jawbone the industry leaders into lowering prices.
archaeologists found a fossilized jawbone at the site.