What is "catspaws"

Usage examples of "catspaws".

Through the early part of the afternoon we were never quite becalmed but Uncle had to search out catspaws on the water to find some puff of wind.

But the Thuella had not sunk, and the mist was stirred by catspaws of wind, and the wind became a breeze and, even though damaged, the schooner had outrun her pursuer and taken refuge in the vast Bassin d'Arcachon.