Definition of paw

The word "paw" to describe the foreleg of a quadruped, such as a cat or a dog, has an interesting etymology. The origin of the word "paw" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled as "pawe." At this time, the word specifically referred to the forepaw or foreleg of wild animals, such as lions or wolves. As English continued to evolve, the meaning of "paw" expanded to include the forelegs of domesticated animals as well. By the 14th century, "paw" had become a general term for the entire foreleg or forepaw of any animal, including horses and cattle. Interestingly, the Old English word for a dog's paw, "færof," is still used today in some dialects of English, particularly in Scotland and northern England. "Færof" translates to "fur-foot" and is a more descriptive term for a dog's paw. The origin of "paw" is believed to be a combination of two Old English words: "pæc" (meaning "foot") and "we" (meaning "wild"). Therefore, "pawe" can be interpreted as "wild foot" or "feral foot." This interpretation would be in line with the original definition of "paw" as a wild animal's foreleg. The word "paw" has also given rise to several terms and expressions in other languages. In French, the word "patte" is used for an animal's paw, while in Spanish, "pa parte" is used to describe a place that seems easy to reach but is actually difficult or dangerous to get to, as though it were an animal's paw waiting to grab you.