Masticate \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.
[1913 Webster]