claw definition

1. sharp curved horny process on the toe of a bird or some mammals or reptiles
2. a grasping structure on the limb of a crustacean or other arthropods
3. a bird's foot
4. move as if by clawing, seizing, or digging
• examples: They clawed their way to the top of the mountain
5. clutch as if in panic
• examples: She clawed the doorknob
6. scratch, scrape, pull, or dig with claws or nails
7. attack as if with claws
• examples: The politician clawed his rival