clew: Meaning and Definition of

clew

Pronunciation: (kl), [key]
— n.
  1. clue (def. 1).
  2. either lower corner of a square sail or the after lower corner of a fore-and-aft sail. See diag. under
  3. a ball or skein of thread, yarn, etc.
  4. Usually,the rigging for a hammock.
  5. a metal device holding scenery lines controlled by one weighted line.
  6. the thread by which Theseus found his way out of the labyrinth.
    1. to carry a large amount of sail.
    2. to present an impressive appearance.
—v.t.
  1. to coil into a ball.
  2. clue (def. 3).
    1. to draw up the bottom edge of (a curtain, drop, etc.) and fold out of view; bag.
    2. to secure (lines) with a clew.
  3. to secure (a sail) in an unfurled position.
  4. to haul (the lower corners of a square-rig sail) up to the yard by means of the clew lines.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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