clapperclaw \ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\transitive verb Etymology: perhaps from clapper (I) + claw (v.) 1.now dialect chiefly England: to thrash or abuse clumsily by or as if by striking with the hand and clawing with the nails 2.dialect England: to abuse with scolding : revile