maxilla, ae, f. dim. of a ground-form magsula (whence māla; root mag of μάσσω, to knead; μαγεύς. baker, etc.; cf. axilla, ala, from ago), the jawbone, jaw (postAug.). Lit.: quam litteram (X) etiam e maxillis et taxillis et vexillo ... consuetudo elegans Latini sermonis evellit, Cic. Or. 45, 153: maxillae superiores, Plin. 11, 37, 60, § 159; Suet. Calig. 58; Veg. Vet. 2, 40, 2: maxillam superiorem commovere solam, Amm. 22, 15, 15: cum in maxillis balanatum gausape pectas, you comb the anointed beard on your jaws, Pers. 4, 37.

— * Transf.: miserum populum, qui sub tam lentis maxillis erit, under such slowgrinding teeth, i. e. subject to such protracted cruelty, Aug. ap. Suet. Tib. 21.