Dialect word for a claw, especially of a bird; a talon or pincer-like appendage.
From Old English clēo or clā (claw), related to modern 'claw.' A dialect survival from earlier English forms, preserved in regional speech.
This is a living fossil of a word—most English speakers say 'claw' now, but in some rural dialects you'll still hear 'clee' for a bird's talon. It shows how older word forms survive in regions where innovation spreads slower.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.