subs. (old).—The mouth.

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  1592.  GREENE, A Quip for an Upstart Courtier, in Works, xi. 236. That pinch their bellies to polish their backs, that kepe their MAWES emptie, to fill their pursses.

2

  1599.  SHAKESPEARE, Henry V, ii. 1. And in thy hateful lungs,—yea, in thy MAW, perdy.

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  1603.  SHAKESPEARE, Measure for Measure, iii. 2.

                            Do thou but think
What ’tis to cram a MAW, or clothe a back.

4

  1654.  CHAPMAN, Revenge for Honour. i. 1.

        Here men o’ th’ shop can gorge their musty MAWS
With the delicious capon.

5

  HOLD YOUR MAW! verb. phr. (old).—Stop talking.

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