Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Claw \Claw\ (kl[add]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Clawed} (kl[add]d);
   p. pr. & vb. n. {Clawing}.] [AS. clawan. See {Claw}, n.]
   1. To pull, tear, or scratch with, or as with, claws or
      nails.

   2. To relieve from some uneasy sensation, as by scratching;
      to tickle; hence, to flatter; to court. [Obs.]

            Rich men they claw, soothe up, and flatter; the poor
            they contemn and despise.             --Holland.

   3. To rail at; to scold. [Obs.]

            In the aforesaid preamble, the king fairly claweth
            the great monasteries, wherein, saith he, religion,
            thanks be to God, is right well kept and observed;
            though he claweth them soon after in another
            acceptation.                          --T. Fuller

   {Claw me, claw thee}, stand by me and I will stand by you; --
      an old proverb. --Tyndale.

   {To claw away}, to scold or revile. ``The jade Fortune is to
      be clawed away for it, if you should lose it.''
      --L'Estrange.

   {To claw (one) on the back}, to tickle; to express
      approbation. (Obs.) --Chaucer.

   {To claw (one) on the gall}, to find fault with; to vex.
      [Obs.] --Chaucer.