meddling; interference; making a pass
Almost always used in the set phrase ちょっかいを出す, meaning to meddle, interfere, or make an unwanted advance. The 'making a pass' nuance is a common colloquial extension.
See also: ちょっかいを出す
He always meddles in other people's work.
He got drunk, made a pass at a woman, and got scolded.
pawing at something; reaching out with a paw
Describes a cat or similar animal extending a paw to hook or drag something closer. Often used in the phrase ちょっかいを出す as well, but with a literal animal subject.
The cat is pawing at things on the table.