clew Definition
clew (klo̵̅o̅)
noun
- a ball of thread or yarn: in Greek legend, a thread is used by Theseus as a guide out of the labyrinth
- clue
- Naut.
- either of the lower corners of a square sail
- the after lower corner of a fore-and-aft sail
- 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
- to wind (up) into a ball
- clue
clew Idioms
clew down (or up)
to lower (or raise) a sail by means of clew lines
clew Usage Examples
Converse of object
afford: Neither will the Gospels afford a clew; for these are the record of " days of heaven upon earth.
Modifies a noun
outhaul: A nylon cleat is fitted near the inboard end to make off the clew outhaul.
Noun used with modifier
jib: From the jib clew cringle, aft to the jib sheet car, to the sheet winch.
Browse dictionary entries near clew
- ‹ clevis
- ‹ cleverness
- ‹ cleverly
- ‹ clever
- ‹ Cleveland Heights
- ‹ Cleveland
- ‹ cleveite
- ‹ Clermont-Ferrand
- ‹ clerkly
- ‹ clerk
- clew lines ›
- cliché ›
- clichéd ›
- Clichy ›
- click ›
- click beetle ›
- clicketyclack ›
- CLID ›
- client ›
- Client Computer ›

