Definition

Noun: 1. Claw of a bear; often used in jewelry: The actual, physical claw or talon of a bear, sometimes used as a decorative element or charm. 2. An incised design resembling the claw of a bear; used in Native American pottery: A decorative pattern carved or etched into a surface, particularly in traditional Native American art, that mimics the shape of a bear's claw. 3. Almond-flavored yeast-raised pastry shaped in an irregular semicircle resembling a bear's claw: A sweet, baked pastry made from yeast dough, often filled with almond paste and shaped to look like a large, curved claw.

Usage Examples

• The hunter kept a bear claw as a trophy from his expedition.
• The ancient pot was decorated with a distinctive bear claw motif along its rim.
• For breakfast, she enjoyed a coffee and a fresh bear claw from the bakery.

Advanced Usage

• In heraldry or symbolism: A bear claw can be used as a symbol of strength, ferocity, or protection. It may appear on coats of arms, logos, or as a talisman.
  • The family crest featured a prominent bear claw, representing their resilience.

Variants and Related Words

• Bearclaw (one word): An alternative spelling, especially common when referring to the pastry.
  • He ordered a bearclaw and a latte.

Synonyms

• (For the pastry): Danish pastry, sweet roll.
• (For the design): Claw motif, talon pattern.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• To have a bear claw (of a grip): An informal expression describing an exceptionally strong and tenacious grip.
  • Watch out when you shake his hand; he has a bear claw of a grip.

Noun

1. claw of a bear; often used in jewelry
2. an incised design resembling the claw of a bear; used in Native American pottery
3. almond-flavored yeast-raised pastry shaped in an irregular semicircle resembling a bear's claw