XCLAW, n.

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. Deu 14.

His nails were grown like birds claws. Dan 4.

2. The whole foot of an animal armed with hooked nails.

3. The hand, in contempt.

, v.t.

1. To pull, tear or scratch with the nails.

2. To scratch or tear in general; to tickle.

3. To flatter.

To claw off or away,

1. To scold or rail at.

2. In seamanship, to turn to windward and beat, to prevent falling on a lee shore.

3. In vulgar language, to scratch away; to get off or escape.