v. t. & i. [ imp. & p. p. jawboned p. pr. & vb. n. jawboning. ] To attempt to influence solely by talking, as contrasted with threatening or inducing by other means, e.g. legislation; esp. to make public appeals in order to influence the behavior of businessmen or labor leaders; -- used especially of the President or other high government officials; as, to jawbone businessmen into forgoing price increases. [ 1913 Webster ]