clew Hear it!

clew definition

clew (klo̵̅o̅)

noun

  1. a ball of thread or yarn: in Greek legend, a thread is used by Theseus as a guide out of the labyrinth
  2. clue
  3. Naut.
    1. either of the lower corners of a square sail
    2. the after lower corner of a fore-and-aft sail
    3. a combination of lines by which a hammock is hung

Etymology: ME cleue < OE cliwen, akin to Du klüwen & dissimilated Ger knäuel < IE base *gel-: see claw

transitive verb

  1. to wind (up) into a ball
  2. clue
clew Idioms

clew down (or up)

to lower (or raise) a sail by means of clew lines

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