clew

[ kloo ]

noun

1. clue ( def 1 ).
2. Nautical. either lower corner of a square sail or the after lower corner of a fore-and-aft sail.
3. a ball or skein of thread, yarn, etc.
4. Usually clews. the rigging for a hammock.
5. Theater. a metal device holding scenery lines controlled by one weighted line.
6. Classical Mythology. the thread by which Theseus found his way out of the labyrinth.

verb (used with object)

1. to coil into a ball.
2. clue ( def 5 ).
3. Theater.
   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.

verb phrase

1. Nautical. to secure (a sail) in an unfurled position.
2. Nautical. to haul (the lower corners of a square-rig sail) up to the yard by means of the clew lines.

clew

/ kluː /

noun

1. a ball of thread, yarn, or twine
2. nautical either of the lower corners of a square sail or the after lower corner of a fore-and-aft sail
3. usually plural the rigging of a hammock
4. a rare variant of clue

verb

1. tr to coil or roll into a ball

Word History and Origins

Origin of clew¹

before 900; Middle English clewe, Old English cleowen, cliewen, equivalent to cliew- (cognate with Old High German kliu ball) + -en -en ⁵; akin to Dutch kluwen

Word History and Origins

Origin of clew¹

Old English cliewen (vb); related to Old High German kliu ball

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. spread a large clew, Nautical.
   1. to carry a large amount of sail.
   2. to present an impressive appearance.

Example Sentences

But if the comrades preserve silence, all will be well, for I was careful to leave no clew.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not a common one, and if given to the papers, may result in our receiving a clew to a mystery which seems impenetrable.

From Project Gutenberg

He did not see him, yet another man gave him the clew and unwittingly directed him to the house of Citizen Fargeau.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Nepean, I think, has indeed opened himself at last, and given a pretty plain clew to their disposition not to support you.

From Project Gutenberg

The label on a trade package of Hydronaphthol gives no clew as to the nature of the product.

From Project Gutenberg