forepaw

American  

[fawr-paw, fohr-] / ˈfɔrˌpɔ, ˈfoʊr- /

noun

1. the paw of a foreleg.

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forepaw British  

/ ˈfɔːˌpɔː /

noun

1. either of the front feet of most land mammals that do not have hoofs

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Etymology

Origin of forepaw

First recorded in 1815–25; fore- + paw ¹

Example Sentences

The little creature at rest with its forepaw raised and a glint in its amber eyes is the piece that inspired de Waal’s acclaimed, best-selling memoir of 2010.

From New York Times • Oct. 17, 2021

Observers have even reported seeing domestic cats trap two cicadas at once, one under each forepaw.

From Scientific American • Apr. 9, 2021

As Woundwort watched, he raised a trembling forepaw and passed it gropingly across his face.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

Then, as Fiver stirred and muttered beside him, he pushed him gently with one forepaw and nuzzled his shoulder.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

Iorek held a small rock of some sort of ironstone in his left forepaw and struck it no more than three or four times on a similar one on the floor.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman