Chew \Chew\ (ch[udd]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Chewed (ch[udd]d); p. pr. & vb. n. Chewing.]

[As ce['o]wan, akin to D. kauwen, G. kauen. Cf. Chaw, Jaw.]

1. To bite and grind with the teeth; to masticate.

2. To ruminate mentally; to meditate on.

He chews revenge, abjuring his offense. --Prior.

To chew the cud, to chew the food ocer again, as a cow; to ruminate; hence, to meditate.

Every beast the parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that ye shall eat. --Deut. xxiv. 6.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)