Paw (pô), n. [OE. pawe, poue, OF. poe: cf. patte, LG. pote, D. poot, G. pfote.]

1. The foot of a quadruped having claws, as the lion, dog, cat, etc.

2. The hand. [Jocose] Dryden.

"Paw clam (Zoöl.), the tridacna; - - so called because shaped like an animals paw."

Paw , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pawed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Pawing.]

1. To pass the paw over; to stroke or handle with the paws; hence, to handle fondly or rudely.

2. To scrape or beat with the forefoot.

His hot courser pawed the Hungarian plane. Tickell.

Paw , v. i. To draw the forefoot along the ground; to beat or scrape with the forefoot. Job xxxix. 21.

-- Webster's unabridged 1913