dewclaw

[doo-klaw, dyoo-]

noun

a functionless claw of some dogs, not reaching the ground in walking.

an analogous false hoof of deer, hogs, etc.

Origin of dewclaw

1570–80; dew + claw; cf. dewlap

Related formsdew·clawed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for dewclaw

dewclaw

noun

a nonfunctional claw in dogs; the rudimentary first digit

an analogous rudimentary hoof in deer, goats, etc

Derived Formsdewclawed, adjective

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