1. small toes or claws on the feet of certain animals (such as dogs, cats, and deer) that do not touch the ground when the animal walks
Usage: usually plural; found on the inner side of the hind legs or all four legs depending on the species

Examples

• The dog's dewclaws needed to be trimmed regularly to prevent them from curling into the paw pad.
• Cats have dewclaws on their front paws that help them climb and grip prey.
• Some breeds of dogs are born with dewclaws on their hind legs, while others have them only on the front.
• The veterinarian recommended removing the dewclaws to avoid injury during the puppy's growth.
• Deer use their dewclaws for traction when running across slippery terrain.