CAT'S-PAW

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does cat's-paw mean? 

• CAT'S-PAW (noun)
  The noun CAT'S-PAW has 2 senses:

1. a person used by another to gain an end

2. a hitch in the middle of rope that has two eyes into which tackle can be hooked

  Familiarity information: CAT'S-PAW used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CAT'S-PAW (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A person used by another to gain an end

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

cat's-paw; instrument; pawn

Hypernyms ("cat's-paw" is a kind of...):

assistant; help; helper; supporter (a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A hitch in the middle of rope that has two eyes into which tackle can be hooked

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("cat's-paw" is a kind of...):

hitch (a knot that can be undone by pulling against the strain that holds it; a temporary knot)