'To claw off' definitions:

Definition of 'To claw off'

From: GCIDE
  • Claw \Claw\, v. i. To scrape, scratch, or dig with a claw, or with the hand as a claw. "Clawing [in ash barrels] for bits of coal." --W. D. Howells. [1913 Webster]
  • To claw off (Naut.), to turn to windward and beat, to prevent falling on a lee shore. [1913 Webster]