DCHP-1 Online
jawbone West, Slang 
n. credit (presumably because the jawbone had to be exercised in speaking to win over the creditor).
See also: call one's jaw
- 1865 (1867) Flour is selling at 45 cents; beans, 50; sugar, 75; bacon, 75; fresh beef, 25 and 30, on jaw-bone; clothing is cheaper here than at Yale.
- 1908 Jawbone is the western word for credit. I lack the art of using mine persuasively.
- 1923 I have to extend "jawbone" credit, much as I would like to do business on a cash basis.
- 1957 Indians were constantly seeking "jawbone," or credit and this raised a continuing economic problem for post operation.
- 1966 The mower parts would have been charged or, in the language of the country, put on his jawbone.
- 1865 (1867) Flour is selling at 45 cents; beans, 50; sugar, 75; bacon, 75; fresh beef, 25 and 30, on jaw-bone; clothing is cheaper here than at Yale.