n. The hand or foot of an animal which has nails or claws: distinguished from hoof: as, a monkey's paw; the paws of a cat, dog, rat, etc. In many animals the fore feet, and in some the hind feet, are prehensile, and serviceable as hands.n. The human hand, especially when large or coarse, or when awkwardly used.To draw the fore foot along the ground; scrape with the fore foot.To scrape with the fore foot; strike with a drawing or scraping action of the fore foot.To handle roughly or clumsily, as with paws.Johnson.To fawn upon, as a spaniel upon his master.n. A trick.To secure or stop the motion of (a capstan, windlass, or ratchet-wheel) with a pawl.Improper; nasty; obscene.