Words at Play : Words For Things You Didn't Know Have Names, Vol. 2
Definition:
a vestigial digit not reaching to the ground on the foot of a mammal, or a claw
or hoof terminating such a digit
Example Sentence:
Because our puppy's dewclaws were loose and often got snagged on things, the
vet suggested we have them removed.
About the Word:
This word's origin is unknown, but one theory has it that a dewclaw touches only the
dew, and not the grassy ground it rests on.