■ noun
1》 a curved, pointed horny nail on each digit of the foot in birds, lizards, and some mammals.
↘either of a pair of small hooked appendages on an insect's foot.
2》 the pincer of a crab, scorpion, or other arthropod.
3》 a mechanical device resembling a ~, used for gripping or lifting.
■ verb
1》 (usu. ~ at ) scratch or tear at with the ~s or fingernails.
↘clutch at with the hands.
2》 ( ~ something back ) regain money, power, etc. laboriously and gradually.
3》 (of a sailing ship) beat to windward.
Derivatives
-~ed adjective
~less adjective
Origin
OE ~u (n.), ~ian (v.), of W. Gmc origin.