I. ˈklü noun
Etymology: Middle English clewe, from Old English cliewen; akin to Old High German kliuwa ball, Sanskrit glauḥ lump
Date: before 12th century
1. : a ball of thread, yarn, or cord
2. : clue 1
3.
a. : a lower corner or only the after corner of a sail
b. : a metal loop attached to the lower corner of a sail
c. plural : a combination of lines by which a hammock is suspended
II. transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1. : to roll into a ball
2. : clue
3. : to haul (a sail) up or down by ropes through the clews