Wound by scratching (4)
I believe the answer is:
maul
'wound by scratching' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for maul that I've seen before include "Handle roughly, in rugby say" , "Treat roughly; heavy hammer" , "Injure by clawing" , "(Of animal) wound by scratching and tearing" , "Tear to pieces; molest" .)