clew line

noun

Nautical.

one of the ropes or tackles used to raise the clews, or lower corners, of a square sail to the upper yard or mast.

clew line

noun

nautical any of several lines fastened to the clews of a square sail and used for furling it

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Word History and Origins

Origin of clew line¹

First recorded in 1620–30

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

A curious result of the gale was a huge knot into which a strip of the maintopsail, the clew line, and chain sheet had twisted themselves in a hundred involutions, defying any attempt at extrication except by aid of the knife.

From

clew clew up

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