1. touching or handling something clumsily or roughly with the hands
Usage: often implies unwanted or inappropriate touching
2. striking or scraping the ground with a hoof or paw
Usage: used of animals

1. the action of touching or handling something clumsily

Examples

• The horse was pawing the ground impatiently.
• Stop pawing through my belongings without permission.
• The dog kept pawing at the door to go outside.
• She didn’t appreciate him pawing at her books.
• The bull began pawing the dirt before charging.
• His constant pawing of the merchandise annoyed the shopkeeper.