Anatomy def: One of four pairs of muscles of mastication; masseters close the lower jaw during chewing or gritting the teeth.
Outlander def: Muscles of intense energy, activated by agony, frustration, aggression, torment, trauma, or anger! Etc., etc., etc.
Learn about masseter muscles, mandible, and mastication in Anatomy Lesson #26, “Jamie’s Chin – Manly Mentus.”
Read about Jamie and his clenched jaw (and Clair’s) from Dragonfly in Amber book:
“Jamie,” I said, into the folds of his plaid. “I’m going back with you.” He started back, staring down at me. “The hell you are!” he said. “I am.” I felt very calm, with no trace of doubt. “I can make a kilt of my arisaid; there are enough young boys with the army that I can pass for one. You’ve said yourself it will all be confusion. No one will notice.”
“No!” he said. “No, Claire!” His jaw was clenched, and he was glaring at me with a mixture of anger and horror. “If you’re not afraid, I’m not either,” I said, firming my own jaw. “It will … be over quickly. You said so.” My chin was beginning to quiver, despite my determination. “Jamie—I won’t … I can’t … I bloody won’t live without you, and that’s all!”
See Jamie’s contracted masseter and clenched jaws reveal his fierce warrior side as he heads into battle against the redcoats (Starz episode 210, Prestonpans). Mayhap his sword and dirk will meet up with Captain Black Jack? No, not this time, Jamie, but soon!!!!
A deeply grateful,
Outlander Anatomist