Catspaws

/ˈkætspɔːz/ noun

Definition

Plural of catspaw; multiple people used as dupes, or multiple ripples/breezes on water surfaces.

Etymology

Regular English plural of 'catspaw,' formed by adding '-s'; maintains both the metaphorical meaning from Aesop's fable and the nautical meaning describing water patterns.

Kelly Says

The fact that 'catspaw' has two completely different meanings—a victim of manipulation AND a ripple on water—shows how the same image can spark different interpretations in different contexts!

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