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]