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dewclaw

[doo-klaw, dyoo-]
noun
  1. a functionless claw of some dogs, not reaching the ground in walking.
  2. an analogous false hoof of deer, hogs, etc.
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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. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for dewclaw

dewclaw

noun
  1. a nonfunctional claw in dogs; the rudimentary first digit
  2. an analogous rudimentary hoof in deer, goats, etc
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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