E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Mouth.
Down in the mouth. (See under DOWN.)
1
His mouth was made, he was trained or reduced to obedience, like a horse trained to the bit.
2
“At first, of course, the fireworker showed fight… . but in the end ‘his mouth was made,’ his paces formed, and he became a very serviceable and willing animal.”—Le Fanu: House in the Churchyard, ch. xcix.
