clew /kluː/noun 6verb 2forms 3phrases 2 noun6 •The lower corner(s) of a sail to which a sheet is attached for trimming the sail (adjusting its position relative to the wind); the metal loop or cringle in the corner of the sail, to which the sheet is attached. (on a triangular sail) The trailing corner relative to the wind direction.'Mid the rattle of blocks and the tramp of the crew, Hisses the rain of the rushing squall; The sails are aback from clew to clew, And now is the moment for "MAINSAIL, HAUL!" — 1858 •[in the plural] The sheets so attached to a sail.The canvas running up in a proud sweep, Wind-wrinkled at the clews, and white like lint, — 1913 •[in the plural] The cords suspending a hammock.He taught us how to attach the clews to the ends of the hammock and then lash it between jack stays. — 2000 •Yarn or thread as used to guide one's way through a maze or labyrinth; a guide, a clue. •(no longer used) A roughly spherical mass or body.If the whole troupe be diuided into many clewes, or round bunches, you need not then doubt but that there are many kings. — 1600 •(no longer used) A ball of thread or yarn.The Fairy Paribanou was at that time very hard at work, and, as she had several clews of thread by her, she took up one, and, presenting it to Prince Ahmed, said: "First take this clew of thread... — 1889 verb2 •to raise the lower corner(s) of (a sail) •to roll into a ball formsclewed · clewing · clews Phrases with clew clew downTo secure an unfurled sail. clew upTo finish up or to tidy up, as in the tie up a sail on a sailing boat, the clew being a part of the structure holding the sail. Comes from the nautical term "clew".
