clew line

noun

, Nautical.

1. one of the ropes or tackles used to raise the clews, or lower corners, of a square sail to the upper yard or mast.

clew line

noun

1. nautical any of several lines fastened to the clews of a square sail and used for furling it

Word History and Origins

Origin of clew line¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

Clew-line: A line used to hoist up the lower corners of a sail.

From Project Gutenberg