give paw

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌɡɪv ˈpɔː/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌɡɪv ˈpɔ/
• (cot–caught merger) IPA^(key): /ˌɡɪv ˈpɑ/
• Hyphenation: give paw

give paw (third-person singular simple present gives paw, present participle giving paw, simple past gave paw, past participle given paw)

1. Of dogs, to present one's paw for a handshake with a human.
   • 1988, William James, Manuscript Lectures‎, →ISBN, page 41:

     Special volitional movements impaired. Won't give paw because that performance result of individual education, requiring loop line.

   • 2013, Brian Schmisek, Resurrection of the Flesh or Resurrection of the Dead‎, →ISBN, page 107:

     Even though both gave paw, only Willy received the treat. After this happened, Buck stopped giving paw almost immediately.

   • 2020, Nancy Przybylowicz, Total Fluff‎, →ISBN, page 36:

     After a moment's hesitation Fluff gave paw. The children were relieved.

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see give,‎ paw.

give paw

1. A command for a dog to give paw.
   • 1999, Noël Coward, Star Chamber‎:

     Lie down, Atherton, who's a good dog? Come on — give Dame Rosie a paw — paw, Atherton — give paw […]

   • 2011, Michael Scotto, Latasha and the little red Tornado‎, →ISBN, page 28:

     "Okay, give paw." I caught her flopping paw, gave it a shake, and fed her the treat.

   • 2018, Kay Arthur, Janna Arndt, Who Created It?‎, →ISBN, page 87:

     "It's time to learn a new trick. Ready? Sit. Give paw."