clapperclaw

verb

clap·​per·​claw ˈkla-pər-ˌklȯ How to pronounce clapperclaw (audio)
clapperclawed; clapperclawing; clapperclaws

transitive verb

1
dialectal, England : to claw with the nails
2
dialectal, England : scold, revile

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from clapper + claw (verb)

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clapperclaw was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near clapperclaw

clapper boy

clapperclaw

clapperdudgeon

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Clapperclaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clapperclaw. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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