n. [ L. mandibula, mandibulum, fr. mandere to chew. Cf. Manger. ] 1. (Anat.) The bone, or principal bone, of the lower jaw; the inferior maxilla; -- also applied to either the upper or the lower jaw in the beak of birds. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Zool.) The anterior pair of mouth organs of insects, crustaceaus, and related animals, whether adapted for biting or not. See Illust. of Diptera. [ 1913 Webster ]