paw

paw · noun/verb

imported

Definitions

noun/verb

  1. 1.

    The foot of an animal that has claws or nails, especially a cat, dog, or bear.

  2. 2.

    (of an animal) To feel or scrape with a paw or hoof.

  3. 3.

    (informal, humorous) A person's hand.

  4. 4.

    To touch or handle clumsily, roughly, or with too much familiarity.

Forms

plural: paws

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    paw print — the mark left by an animal's foot
  • •
    paw at — to touch repeatedly or clumsily

Related words

See also: claw, hoof, paws
Synonyms: claw, foot

Etymology

From Old French poue ("paw"), of Germanic origin, related to Dutch poot and German Pfote.