to chew the cud
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Cud \Cud\ (k[u^]d), n. [AS. cudu, cwudu,cwidu,cweodo, of uncertain origin; cf, G. k["o]der bait, Icel. kvi[eth]r womb, Goth. qi[thorn]us. Cf. Quid.]
1.That portion of food which is brought up into the mouth by ruminating animals from their first stomach, to be chewed a second time. [1913 Webster]
Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.— Levit. xi. 3[1913 Webster]
2.A portion of tobacco held in the mouth and chewed; a quid. [Low] [1913 Webster]
3.The first stomach of ruminating beasts. --Crabb. [1913 Webster]
To chew the cud, to ruminate; to meditate; used with of; as, to chew the cud of bitter memories. [1913 Webster]
Chewed the thrice turned cud of wrath.— Tennyson.[1913 Webster]
chew \chew\ (ch[udd]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Chewed (ch[udd]d); p. pr. & vb. n. Chewing.] [As ce['o]wan, akin to D. kauwen, G. kauen. Cf. Chaw, Jaw.]
1.To bite and grind with the teeth; to masticate. [1913 Webster]
2.To ruminate mentally; to meditate on. [1913 Webster]
He chews revenge, abjuring his offense.— Prior.[1913 Webster]
To chew the cud, to chew the food over again, as a cow; to ruminate; hence, to meditate. [1913 Webster]
Every beast the parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that ye shall eat.— Deut. xxiv. 6.[1913 Webster]