The Collaborative International Dictionary
Claw \Claw\ (kl[add]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Clawed (kl[add]d); p. pr. & vb. n. Clawing.] [AS. clawan. See Claw, n.]
To pull, tear, or scratch with, or as with, claws or nails.
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To relieve from some uneasy sensation, as by scratching; to tickle; hence, to flatter; to court. [Obs.]
Rich men they claw, soothe up, and flatter; the poor they contemn and despise.
--Holland. -
To rail at; to scold. [Obs.]
In the aforesaid preamble, the king fairly claweth the great monasteries, wherein, saith he, religion, thanks be to God, is right well kept and observed; though he claweth them soon after in another acceptation.
--T. FullerClaw me, claw thee, stand by me and I will stand by you; -- an old proverb.
--Tyndale.To claw away, to scold or revile. ``The jade Fortune is to be clawed away for it, if you should lose it.''
--L'Estrange.To claw (one) on the back, to tickle; to express approbation. (Obs.)
--Chaucer.To claw (one) on the gall, to find fault with; to vex. [Obs.]
--Chaucer.