n. & v.
--n.
1. a the side of the face below the eye. b the side-wall of the mouth.
2 a impertinent speech. b impertinence; cool confidence (had the cheek to ask for more).
3 sl. either buttock.
4 a either of the side-posts of a door etc. b either of the jaws of a vice. c either of the side-pieces of various parts of machines arranged in lateral pairs.
--v.tr. speak impertinently to.
Phrases and idioms:
cheek-bone the bone below the eye. cheek by jowl close together; intimate. turn the other cheek accept attack etc. meekly; refuse to retaliate.
Etymology: OE ce(a)ce, ceoce