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maxilla , ae, f. dim. of a ground-form magsula (whence māla; root mag of μάσσω, to knead; μαγεύς. baker, etc.; cf. axilla, ala, from ago),
I.the jawbone, jaw (postAug.).
I. Lit.: “quam litteram (X) etiam e maxillis et taxillis et vexillo ... consuetudo elegans Latini sermonis evellit,” Cic. Or. 45, 153: “maxillae superiores,” Plin. 11, 37, 60, § 159; Suet. Calig. 58; Veg. Vet. 2, 40, 2: “maxillam superiorem commovere solam,” Amm. 22, 15, 15: “cum in maxillis balanatum gausape pectas,” you comb the anointed beard on your jaws, Pers. 4, 37.— *
II. Transf.: miserum populum, qui sub tam lentis maxillis erit, under such slowgrinding teeth, i. e. subject to such protracted cruelty, Aug. ap. Suet. Tib. 21.
A Latin Dictionary. Founded on Andrews' edition of Freund's Latin dictionary. revised, enlarged, and in great part rewritten by. Charlton T. Lewis, Ph.D. and. Charles Short, LL.D. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1879.

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  • Cross-references in general dictionaries from this page (4):
    • Suetonius, Caligula, 58
    • Suetonius, Tiberius, 21
    • Persius, Saturae, 4
    • Cicero, Orator, 45.153
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