paw

¹

[paw]

noun

1. the foot of an animal having claws.

2. the foot of any animal.

3. Informal.,  the human hand, especially one that is large, rough, or clumsy.

   Keep your paws off my property.

verb (used with object)

1. to strike or scrape with the paws or feet.

   a dog pawing the door.

2. Informal.,  to handle or caress clumsily, rudely, or with unwelcome familiarity.

verb (used without object)

1. to beat or scrape the floor, ground, etc., with the paws or feet.

2. Informal.,  to handle or caress someone or something in a clumsy or rude manner or with unwelcome familiarity.

paw

²

[paw]

noun

Informal.

1. father; pa.

paw

/ pɔː /

noun

1. any of the feet of a four-legged mammal, bearing claws or nails

2. informal,  a hand, esp one that is large, clumsy, etc

verb

1. to scrape or contaminate with the paws or feet

2. informal,  (tr) to touch or caress in a clumsy, rough, or overfamiliar manner; maul

Other Word Forms

• pawer noun
• unpawed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paw¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English pau(w)e, poue, from Middle French po(u)e (cognate with Provençal pauta ), from Germanic; compare Dutch poot, German Pfote

Origin of paw²

First recorded in 1820–30; earlier and dialect pronunciation of pa

Word History and Origins

Origin of paw¹

C13: via Old French from Germanic; related to Middle Dutch pōte, German Pfote

Example Sentences

On the other hand, Bisque — from a litter Carr called “the Soups” — hid in a cardboard house for an hour before she finally stretched a paw out, like a jazz hand through the “front door.”

From Los Angeles Times

It was a cagey start with both seemingly intent on a scouting mission, Crocker pawing his right hand as Donovan missed with some early shots but did land late in the round.

From BBC

The charity also recommends the pavement test: if you can't comfortably hold your hand on the ground for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

From BBC

"We could check the index and reply, 'Last time you wrote, your hamster had a sore paw. I do hope it's better.' It's only a tiny thing, but children aren't stupid."

From BBC

On Jan. 25, Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies found a cat with a paracord around its neck and its paws bound with duct tape in Genovese’s vehicle, according to the release.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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