/klooh/ , n.
1. clue (def. 1).
2. Naut. either lower corner of a square sail or the after lower corner of a fore-and-aft sail. See diag. under sail .
3. a ball or skein of thread, yarn, etc.
4. Usually, clews . the rigging for a hammock.
5. Theat. a metal device holding scenery lines controlled by one weighted line.
6. Class. Myth. the thread by which Theseus found his way out of the labyrinth.
7. spread a large clew , Naut.
a. to carry a large amount of sail.
b. to present an impressive appearance.
v.t.
8. to coil into a ball.
9. clue (def. 3).
10. Theat.
a. to draw up the bottom edge of (a curtain, drop, etc.) and fold out of view; bag.
b. to secure (lines) with a clew.
11. clew down , Naut. to secure (a sail) in an unfurled position.
12. clew up , Naut. to haul (the lower corners of a square-rig sail) up to the yard by means of the clew lines.
[ bef. 900; ME clewe, OE cleowen, cliewen, equiv. to cliew- (c. OHG kliu ball) + -en -EN 5 ; akin to D kluwen ]