dewclaw

[ doo-klaw, dyoo- ]
/ ˈduˌklɔ, ˈdyu- /

noun

a functionless claw of some dogs, not reaching the ground in walking.
an analogous false hoof of deer, hogs, etc.

Origin of dewclaw

1570–80; dew + claw; cf. dewlap

OTHER WORDS FROM dewclaw

dew·clawed, adjective

Words nearby dewclaw

dewar, dewar flask, dewar vessel, dewater, dewberry, dewclaw, dewdrop, dewey, dewey decimal classification, dewey decimal system, dewey, john

British Dictionary definitions for dew claw

dewclaw
/ (ˈdjuːˌklɔː) /

noun

a nonfunctional claw in dogs; the rudimentary first digit
an analogous rudimentary hoof in deer, goats, etc

Derived forms of dewclaw

dewclawed, adjective