to chaw

(Saxon, ceowan; German, kawen.) To champ between the teeth; to masticate; to chew.--Johnson. Webster. This, according to all lexicographers, is the legitimate word, and should be so written and pronounced. Custom and fashion, however, have changed it to chew, which is now invariably used among educated people.

I home returning, raught with foul despite,

And chawing vengeance all the way I went.

Spenser, F. Queen.

The man who laught but once, to see an ass

Mumbling to make the cross-grained thistles pass,

Might laugh again, to see a jury chaw

The prickles of Unpalatable law.

Dryden.