noun

1. a piece of wood, metal, or plastic, often wedge-shaped, fastened to something to strengthen it or give secure footing: cleats are used on gangways, under shelves, on the soles or heels of shoes, etc.
2. Naut. a small metal or wood fitting fixed as to the deck of a ship and used to secure a rope, specif. one with projecting ends

Etymology: ME clete < OE *cleat (WGmc *klaut), a lump < IE *g(e)l-eu- < base *gel-: see climb

transitive verb