Java cat (Zoöl.), the musang. -- Java sparrow (Zoöl.), a species of
finch (Padda oryzivora), native of Java, but very commonly kept as a
cage bird; -- called also ricebird, and paddy bird. In the male the
upper parts are glaucous gray, the head and tail black, the under parts
delicate rose, and the cheeks white. The bill is large and red. A white
variety is also kept as a cage bird.
Jav`a*nese" (?), a. Of or pertaining to Java, or to the people of Java.
-- n. sing. & pl. A native or natives of Java.
Jav"el (?), n. A vagabond. [Obs.] Spenser.
Jave"lin (?), n. [F. javeline; akin to Sp. jabalina, It. giavelina, and
F. javelot, OF. gavlot. Cf. Gavelock.] A sort of light spear, to be
thrown or cast by the hand; anciently, a weapon of war used by horsemen
and foot soldiers; now used chiefly in hunting the wild boar and other
fierce game.
Flies the javelin swifter to its mark, Launched by the vigor of a
Roman arm?
Addison.
Jave"lin, v. t. To pierce with a javelin. [R.] Tennyson.
Jave`lin*ier" (?), n. A soldier armed with a javelin. Holland.
Jaw (?), n. [A modification of chaw, formed under the influence of F.
joue the cheek. See Chaw, Chew.]
1. (Anat.) (a) One of the bones, usually bearing teeth, which form the
framework of the mouth. (b) Hence, also, the bone itself with the teeth
and covering. (c) In the plural, the mouth.
2. Fig.: Anything resembling the jaw of an animal in form or action;
esp., pl., the mouth or way of entrance; as, the jaws of a pass; the
jaws of darkness; the jaws of death. Shak.
3. (Mach.) (a) A notch or opening. (b) A notched or forked part,
adapted for holding an object in place; as, the jaw of a railway-car
pedestal. See Axle guard. (b) One of a pair of opposing parts which are
movable towards or from each other, for grasping or crushing anything
between them, as, the jaws of a vise, or the jaws of a stone-crushing
machine.
4. (Naut.) The inner end of a boom or gaff, hollowed in a half circle
so as to move freely on a mast.