from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cat's-paw \Cat's"-paw`\, n.
1. (Naut.)
(a) A light transitory air which ruffles the surface of
the water during a calm, or the ripples made by such a
puff of air.
(b) A particular hitch or turn in the bight of a rope,
into which a tackle may be hooked.
[1913 Webster]
2. A dupe; a tool; one who, or that which, is used by another
as an instrument to a accomplish his purposes.
[1913 Webster]
Note: In this sense the term refers to the fable of the
monkey using the cat's paw to draw the roasting
chestnuts out of the fire.
[1913 Webster]