Upon the opening of his mouth he drops his breakfast, which the fox presently chopped up.
L'estrange.
Chop (?), v. i. 1. To make a quick strike, or repeated strokes, with an ax or other sharp instrument.
2. To do something suddenly with an unexpected motion; to catch or attempt to seize.
Out of greediness to get both, he chops at the shadow, and loses the substance.
L'Estrange.