clapperclaw
verb (tr) archaic
to claw or scratch with the hands and nails
to revile; abuse
RELATED WORDS
tentacle, paw, fingernail, talon, nipper, crook, hook, barb, spur, unguis, fang, manus, grapnel, grappler, retractile, ungula
Word Origin for clapperclaw
C16: perhaps from clapper + claw
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Examples from the Web for clapperclaw
Historical Examples of clapperclaw
Miss Clapperclaw says Bulbul is evidently smitten, and Clara too.
The Christmas BooksWilliam Makepeace Thackeray
"I never knew a woman who was constantly bullied by her husband who did not like him the better for it," Miss Clapperclaw says.
The Christmas BooksWilliam Makepeace Thackeray
Miss Clapperclaw says he acted pretty well, and that I only joke about him because I am envious, and wanted to act a part myself.
The Christmas BooksWilliam Makepeace Thackeray
In the race of fashion the resolute and active De Mogyns has passed the poor old Clapperclaw.
The Book of SnobsWilliam Makepeace Thackeray
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper