To scratch or tear with claws; to seize with talons or claws.
From be- prefix combined with claw, which comes from Old English clawu, related to Old Norse klófr and probably to the root meaning 'to split' or 'to divide.' The be- prefix makes it mean 'to attack with claws' or 'to seize with claws.'
Claw comes from the same family as the word 'cleave' (to split), because claws are essentially split nails that can cut things apart! Animals like raptors evolved separate claw sheaths that retract when not in use—a feature that house cats have but dog nails completely lost.
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