cat's-claw noun orcatclaw\ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\ (pluralcat's-clawsorcatclaws) 1. a.: a climbing shrub (Doxantha unguis-cati) with hooked tendrils b.: an erect shrub (Pithecolobium unguis-cati) with curved pointed pods and black shining seeds 2.: any of several prickly shrubs (as Acacia greggii or Mimosa biuncifera)