CLEAT

I. noun see: clout Date: 14th century 1. a wedge-shaped piece fastened to or projecting from something and serving as a support or check, a wooden or metal fitting usually with two projecting horns around which a rope may be made fast, 2. a strip fastened across something to give strength or hold in position, b. a projecting piece (as on the bottom of a shoe) that furnishes a grip, shoes equipped with ~s, II. transitive verb Date: 1794 to secure to or by a ~, to provide with a ~