Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CLAW, n. [Sax. claw; G. klaue; D. klaauw; Dan. klov; Sw. klof, or klo.]

1. The sharp hooked nail of a beast, bird or other animal. Every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud, ye shall eat. – Deut. xiv. His nails were grown like bird's claws. – Dan. iv.
2. The whole foot of an animal armed with hooked nails.
3. The hand, in contempt.