clapperclaw

British  

/ ˈklæpəˌklɔː /

verb

1. to claw or scratch with the hands and nails

2. to revile; abuse

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Other Word Forms

• clapperclawer noun

Etymology

Origin of clapperclaw

C16: perhaps from _clapper + _claw

Explanation

To clapperclaw is to fight by scratching and clawing with the fingernails. Two kids might clapperclaw during a furious argument on the playground. When you clapperclaw, you fight with your arms outstretched, using mainly your nails against your rival. Sparring cats often clapperclaw too, using their actual claws. You can also use this uncommon word to mean "shower with abusive language." Clapperclaw, combining the original meaning of clap, "to beat," and claw, dates from the late 1500s, and it has become fairly obscure today.

Example Sentences

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

From 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue by Grose, Francis

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 Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 5 by Motteux, Peter Anthony

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 Divine Comedy, Longfellow's Translation, Complete by Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth

And mind you clout and clapperclaw the cull: Spanghew his jacket, when you’ve riped his pockets— The scurvy scrunt!

From Krindlesyke by Gibson, Wilfrid Wilson

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

From The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 06 by Scott, Walter, Sir

Related Words

• fingernail
• paw
• tentacle