Mas"ti*cate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Masticated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Masticating (?).] [L. masticatus, p. p. of masticare to chew, prob. fr. mastiche mastic. See Mastic.]

To grind or crush with, or as with, the teeth and prepare for swallowing and digestion; to chew; as, to masticate food.

© Webster 1913.