clout

The definition of clout means strong influence or a clout is a blow or a punch.

(noun)

To clout is defined as to strike with the hand or to hit a ball hard.

(verb)

An example of to clout is to punch someone in the arm.

See clout in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Now Chiefly Dial.
1. a piece of cloth or leather for patching
2. any piece of cloth, esp. one for cleaning; rag
a blow, with or as with the hand; rap
☆ Informal
1. a hard hit, as in baseball
2. power or influence; esp., political power
Archery a form of long-distance shooting in which archers aim at a large target laid out on the ground with a flag in the center

Origin: ME cloute < OE clut (akin to MLowG klūt, clod of earth), orig., lump of something, hence, piece of cloth, patch: for IE base see climb

transitive verb

Origin: ME clutien < the n.

See clout in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A blow, especially with the fist.
a. Baseball A long powerful hit.
b. Sports An archery target.
Informal
a. Influence; pull: “Women in dual-earner households are gaining in job status and earnings … giving them more clout at work and at home” (Sue Shellenbarger).
b. Power; muscle.
Chiefly Midland U.S. A piece of cloth, especially a baby's diaper.