paw Definition

paw
noun

1. The foot, usually clawed, of a four-legged mammal.

Thesaurus: foot, forepaw, pad.
2. colloq
A hand, especially when used clumsily. See also southpaw.

verb pawed, pawing

1. To finger or handle something clumsily; to touch or caress someone with unwelcome familiarity.

Thesaurus: hit, clutch, grasp, grab, maul, manhandle, molest.
2. Said of an animal: to scrape or strike it with a paw.

Thesaurus: scrape, scratch, dig, rake, claw.
Form: paw at something (also)

Etymology: 13c: from French poue.