First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1paw
noun \ˈpȯ\
: the foot of an animal that has claws
: a person's hand
Full Definition of PAW
1
: the foot of a quadruped (as a lion or dog) that has claws; broadly : the foot of an animal
2
: a human hand especially when large or clumsy
See paw defined for English-language learners
See paw defined for kids
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Origin of PAW
Middle English, from Anglo-French powe, poe
2paw
verb
of an animal : to touch or hit (someone or something) with a paw or foot
: to touch (someone or something) in a rough or sexual way
: to search by using your hands in an awkward or careless way
Full Definition of PAW
transitive verb
1
: to touch or strike at with a paw
2
: to feel or touch clumsily, rudely, or sexually
3
: to scrape or beat with or as if with a hoof
4
: to flail at or grab for wildly
intransitive verb
1
: to beat or scrape something with or as if with a hoof
2
: to touch or strike with a paw
3
: to feel or touch someone or something clumsily, rudely, or sexually
4
: to flail or grab wildly
5
: to search especially carelessly or roughly <pawed through the box of discount items>
See paw defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PAW
15th century
PAW Defined for Kids
1paw
noun \ˈpȯ\
Definition of PAW for Kids
: the foot of a four-footed animal (as a lion, dog, or cat) that has claws
2paw
verb
pawedpaw·ing
Definition of PAW for Kids
1
: to touch or hit with a paw <My dog pawed the door.>
2
: to beat or scrape with a hoof <The nervous horse pawed the ground.>
3
: to touch or handle in a clumsy or rude way <She pawed the family photos.>
Headscratcher for PAW
The word paw means “to beat or scratch.” However, a horse can paw the ground, proving that you don't need paws to paw!
Learn More About PAW
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