Definitions for clew

• Definition
• Anagrams (21)

clew clew

Spelling: [kloo]

IPA: /klu/

Clew is a 4 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 9 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 11 points.

You can make 21 anagrams from letters in clew (celw).

Definitions for clew

noun

1. clue (def 1).
2. Nautical. either lower corner of a square sail or the after lower corner of a fore-and-aft sail.
3. a ball or skein of thread, yarn, etc.
4. Usually, clews. the rigging for a hammock.
5. Theater. a metal device holding scenery lines controlled by one weighted line.
6. Classical Mythology. the thread by which Theseus found his way out of the labyrinth.

Idioms

1. spread a large clew, Nautical. to carry a large amount of sail. to present an impressive appearance.

Verb phrases

1. clew down, Nautical. to secure (a sail) in an unfurled position.
2. clew up, Nautical. to haul (the lower corners of a square-rig sail) up to the yard by means of the clew lines.

verb (used with object)

1. to coil into a ball.
2. clue (def 3).
3. Theater. to draw up the bottom edge of (a curtain, drop, etc.) and fold out of view; bag. to secure (lines) with a clew.

Origin of clew

before 900; Middle English clewe, Old English cleowen, cliewen, equivalent to cliew- (cognate with Old High German kliu ball) + -en -en⁵; akin to Dutch kluwe

Examples for clew

I asked, astonished at Jim's behavior, and anxious for some clew by which to solve its mystery.

There was nothing in that sallow but handsome face that revealed a clew to anything.

It would be idle to travel on until this clew had been cleared up.

Now, it was clear to him Miss Kellett had a secret; or, at least, had the clew to one.

You are certainly not bent on giving me any clew to your motives, Fagan.

For a great while I could not detect the clew to his proceedings.

His behavior gave me no clew as to whether it had been a joyful or a sorrowful one.

"Up to this moment you have given me no clew to it," said Sir Stafford, with a smile.

So that you advise me to open his pack and see if I can find a clew to him.

Of Keane not a trace could be discovered; nor could any clew be obtained as to his companion.