- to attempt to influence or pressure by persuasion rather than by the exertion of force or one's authority, as in urging voluntary compliance with economic guidelines: The president jawboned the steel industry into postponing price increases.
- obtained by or resorting to such a practice: jawbone controls.
- to try to persuade or bring pressure to bear (on) by virtue of one's high office or position, esp in urging compliance with official policy
