clapperclaw

/ ˈklæpəˌklɔː /

verb

1. to claw or scratch with the hands and nails
2. to revile; abuse

Derived Forms

• ˈclapperˌclawer, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clapperclaw¹

C16: perhaps from clapper + claw

Example Sentences

Now these rival rogues will clapperclaw one another, and I shall have the sport of it.

From Project Gutenberg

No, I'd not have, upon my life, Great Alexander for my wife, Nor Pompey, nor his dad-in-law, Who did each other clapperclaw.

From Project Gutenberg

To comb one's head; to clapperclaw, or scold any one: a woman who lectures her husband, is said to comb his head.

From Project Gutenberg

But sooth the other was a doughty sparhawk   To clapperclaw him well; and both of them   Fell in the middle of the boiling pond.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fingernail
• paw
• tentacle