paw
1[paw]
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noun
verb (used with object)
to strike or scrape with the paws or feet: a dog pawing the door.
Informal. to handle or caress clumsily, rudely, or with unwelcome familiarity.
verb (used without object)
to beat or scrape the floor, ground, etc., with the paws or feet.
Informal. to handle or caress someone or something in a clumsy or rude manner or with unwelcome familiarity.
Origin of paw
11300–50; Middle English pawe, variant of powe < Middle French poue (cognate with Provençal pauta) < Germanic; compare Dutch poot, German Pfote
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for pawed
fondle, feel, scratch, slap, stroke, hit, molest, smite, pat, finger, rasp, handle, rub, rake, palpate, grate, grope, search, clutch, digExamples from the Web for pawed
Historical Examples of pawed
It pawed the ground and stamped with its hoofs, and looked like the leader of a grand army.
Classic MythsMary Catherine Judd
Seeing that the newcomer was only a woman, she lowered her head and pawed the ground.
Cy Whittaker's PlaceJoseph C. Lincoln
I pawed the air, raved a little, and made him think I was crazy.
The PlayersEverett B. Cole
The beast rose on his hind legs and pawed the air, snorting.
Ruth Fielding and the GypsiesAlice B. Emerson
He pawed all over the marble top of the table, rattling the dishes.
Joan of Arc of the North WoodsHolman Day
paw
noun
verb
Word Origin for paw
C13: via Old French from Germanic; related to Middle Dutch pōte, German Pfote
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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paw
paw
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper