bearpaw

American  

[bair-paw] / ˈbɛərˌpɔ /

noun

Chiefly Canadian.

1. a small, almost round snowshoe used on steep or rocky terrain.

2. bear claw.

3. a round horseshoe.

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Etymology

Origin of bearpaw

First recorded in 1775–85; bear ² + paw ¹

Example Sentences

The other bearpaw shoe illustrated is a style that originated in the Adirondack Mountains.

From Woodcraft by Kreps, E. H. (Elmer Harry)

Geoffrey peered through the brush at an armored trailer whose flat sides were completely undecorated except for a scarlet bearpaw painted on the door.

From The Barbarians by Emshwiller, Ed

Very short snowshoes made without tails are known as the "bearpaw" pattern.

From Woodcraft by Kreps, E. H. (Elmer Harry)

He trained his sights on the scarlet bearpaw painted on the skewed turret's flank, and laid his hand on the firing lever.

From The Barbarians by Emshwiller, Ed