DictionaryquidPortion for chewing
noun

quid

A small portion of tobacco or other material chewed in the mouth.

The old sailor keeps a quid of tobacco in his cheek.

Etymology

The chewing sense is related to cud, material held and chewed in the mouth. Quid applies that lump-like portion to tobacco and other chewable substances.

More examples

  • He discarded the spent quid.
  • The historical account mentions chewing a quid.
  • A small quid of the material remained in his mouth.

Forms

quid · quids

Similar words

wad
A broader small mass, not necessarily intended for chewing.
plug
A plug is a compact block of tobacco rather than necessarily one portion for chewing.