mastication

[Fr., from Lat. masticatio, from mastic at us, pa. par. of mastico to masticate (q. v.); Sp. mastic a cion; Ital. mas tig azione.] Phys.: The trituration of the food and the mixing of it with the salivary secretion, preparing it for the further action of the stomach. Mastication is voluntary in the adult, except when the will is "If a man strive for masteries , yet is he not crowned in abeyance; in infants and the lower animals it except he strive lawfully."-2 Timothy ii. 5. 3. Victory in war. becomes instinctive. It is performed by the action of the lips, teeth, and mouth. This action is mechanical, while the further digestive proce in "It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery the stomach is chemical. Mastication is succeeded I hear."- Exodus xxxii. 18. *4. The act of mastering. "The learning and mastery of a tongue being unpleasant in itself, should not be cumbered with other difficulties."-Locke: On Education . 5. Preeminent skill, art, or dexterity; masterly skill or power. 6. Succe attained by superior skill, art, or dex terity; a triumph. 7. A contest for superiority. *8. The philosopher's stone. mast'-ful, a. [Eng. mast (2), s.; -ful ( 1 ).] Abounding in mast, or the fruit of oak, beech, or other forest trees.