— clouter , n.
/klowt/ , n.
1. a blow, esp. with the hand; cuff: The bully gave him a painful clout on the head.
2. Informal. pull; strong influence; muscle, esp. political power: a wealthy campaign contributor with clout at city hall.
3. Baseball. a long hit, esp. an extra-base hit: A hard clout to deep center field drove in the winning run.
4. Archery.
a. the mark or target shot at, esp. in long-distance shooting.
b. a shot that hits the mark.
5. Also called clout nail . a nail for attaching sheet metal to wood, having a short shank with a broad head.
6. Archaic.
a. a patch or piece of cloth or other material used to mend something.
b. any worthless piece of cloth; rag.
c. an article of clothing (usually used contemptuously).
v.t.
7. to strike, esp. with the hand; cuff.
8. Archaic.
a. to bandage.
b. to patch; mend.
[ bef. 900; ME; OE clut piece of cloth or metal; c. MLG klute, ON klutr ]