Find the word definition

The Collaborative International Dictionary
To chew the cud

Cud \Cud\ (k[u^]d), n. [AS. cudu, cwudu,cwidu,cweodo, of uncertain origin; cf, G. k["o]der bait, Icel. kvi[eth]r womb, Goth. qi[thorn]us. Cf. Quid.]

  1. That portion of food which is brought up into the mouth by ruminating animals from their first stomach, to be chewed a second time.

    Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.
    --Levit. xi. 3

  2. A portion of tobacco held in the mouth and chewed; a quid.

  3. The first stomach of ruminating beasts.
    --Crabb.

    To chew the cud, to ruminate; to meditate; used with of; as, to chew the cud of bitter memories.

    Chewed the thrice turned cud of wrath.
    --Tennyson.

To chew the cud

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 over 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.

Usage examples of "to chew the cud".

It gave a mellow grunt, gurgled again and started to chew the cud.

Which sentiment being a pretty hard morsel, and bearing something of the air of a paradox, we shall leave the reader to chew the cud upon it to the end of the chapter.