now vulgar. [f. CHAW v.] An act of chewing; also, that which is chewed, e.g., a quid of tobacco.
1772. Gentl. Mag., XLII. 191. The tars … Took their chaws, hitched their trousers, and grinn’d in our faces.
1833. Marryat, Peter Simple, xiv. The boy was made to open his mouth, while the chaw of tobacco was extracted.
