claw-hammer

claw-hammer

A carpenter uses a claw-hammer to remove a nail from a wooden board.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A hammer with a split head for pulling nails: A "claw-hammer" is a type of hammer that has a curved, forked end (the claw) opposite the striking face, used primarily for removing nails from wood or other materials.
    • A formal coat: In historical or British usage, a "claw-hammer" can also refer to a tailcoat (a formal evening coat with long tails at the back), likely due to the claw-like shape of the tails.
Usage Examples

  • Tool:

    • The carpenter used a claw-hammer to pull out the bent nails from the floorboards. (A hammer with a claw end for nail removal.)
    • Make sure you have a claw-hammer in your toolkit for demolition work. (A specific type of hammer for prying.)

  • Coat:

    • He wore a claw-hammer to the formal dinner, complete with a white bow tie. (A tailcoat for formal occasions.)
    • The old photograph showed a gentleman in a black claw-hammer and top hat. (A formal evening coat.)
Advanced Usage
  • "claw-hammer coat": A specific term for a dress coat with tails, often used in tailoring or fashion history.
    • The claw-hammer coat was standard attire for Victorian-era gentlemen at balls. (A formal tailcoat.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Claw (n): The curved, pointed part of the hammer used for gripping and pulling.

    • The claw of the hammer was worn down from years of use. (The nail-pulling end.)

  • Hammer (n): A tool with a heavy metal head used for striking.

    • He swung the hammer to drive the nail into the wood. (General striking tool.)
Synonyms
  • Nail hammer: A common term for any hammer used for nails, though not specifically with a claw.
  • Tailcoat: A synonym for the formal coat meaning, especially in British English.
Phrasal Verbs
Related Idioms

  • "To come under the hammer": To be sold at auction (though not directly related to claw-hammer, it involves the tool).

    • The antique furniture came under the hammer last week. (It was sold at auction.)

  • "Hammer out": To work out a solution through discussion (uses "hammer" as a verb).

    • They hammered out a compromise after hours of negotiation. (They resolved through effort.)