or jole, (old: now recognised).—The cheek: CHEEK BY JOWL = close together: JOWL-SUCKING = kissing.
1592. SHAKESPEARE, Midsummer Night’s Dream, iii. 2. Follow! nay, I’ll go with you CHEEK BY JOLE.
1682. DRYDEN, Prologue to SOUTHERNE’S The Loyal Brother. Sits CHEEK BY JOWL, in black, to cheer his heart.
1811. GROSE and CLARKE, Lexicon Balatronicum, s.v.
1842. TENNYSON, The Vision of Sin, 84. CHEEK BY JOWL, and knee by knee.
