n. & v.
--n.
1. Naut. a a lower or after corner of a sail. b a set of small cords suspending a hammock.
2 archaic a a ball of thread or yarn, esp. with reference to the legend of Theseus and the labyrinth. b CLUE.
--v.tr. Naut.
1. (foll. by up) draw the lower ends of (a sail) to the upper yard or the mast ready for furling.
2 (foll. by down) let down (a sail) by the clews in unfurling.
Etymology: OE cliwen, cleowen