clawing

verb

1. (form-of, gerund, participle, present)present participle and gerund of claw

noun

1. A scratch with the claws.

   “[…] they are nevertheless always like the lion's keeper, who, when by long patience, a thousand feedings, and a thousand clawings, he hath made a fierce lion familiar, yet never gives him meat, but with pulling back his hand, always in fear […]”

adj

1. Causing a visceral sensation of panic or terror.

   “clawing fear”