cat's-paw

cat's–paw

noun \ˈkats-ˌpȯ\

plural cat's–paws

Definition of CAT'S-PAW

1

: a light air that ruffles the surface of the water in irregular patches during a calm

2

[from the fable of the monkey that used a cat's paw to draw chestnuts from the fire] : one used by another as a tool : dupe <the … government became the cat's–paw for foreign powers — D. J. Boorstin>

3

: a hitch knot formed with two eyes for attaching a line to a hook — see knot illustration

First Known Use of CAT'S-PAW

circa 1769

Related to CAT'S-PAW

Synonyms: cat's-paw, instrument, lay figure, puppet, tool

Related Words: chump, dupe, foil, gull, sucker, victim; minion, stooge; lap dog, yes-man

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