Masticate \Mas"ti*cate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Masticated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Masticating}.] [L. masticatus, p. p. of masticare to chew, prob. fr. mastiche mastic. See {Mastic}.] To grind or crush with, or as with, the teeth and prepare for swallowing and digestion; to chew; as, to masticate food.