Clapperclawed

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A term describing an individual characterized by or marked by a tendency to strike or scratch with the claws of animals
2. Referring to a person exhibiting behavior akin to that of a clawing creature, often implying aggression or annoyance
3. Describing someone whose actions resemble those of a creature that uses its claws to grasp or attack, often with a sense of raucousness

Etymology: Clap and claw were both ordinary English words long before they were joined. A clap is a sharp blow or slap, and a claw is the hooked nail of an animal, so the pairing describes a flurry of hits and scratches. The form in question is the past tense of the verb "clapperclaw", and it has been used to describe someone who fights or attacks with nails and claws. The compound also carries a figurative sense. Scratching and beating were applied to verbal attacks as well as physical ones, so a person who was "clapperclawed" might be torn into with words as much as with nails. The adjective here keeps that combative image of an animal lashing out.