clue ( def. 1 ) .

Nautical . either lower corner of a square sail or the after lower corner of a fore-and-aft sail.

a ball or skein of thread, yarn, etc.

Usually, clews. the rigging for a hammock.

Theater . a metal device holding scenery lines controlled by one weighted line.

Classical Mythology . the thread by which Theseus found his way out of the labyrinth.

to coil into a ball.

clue ( def. 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. ?

clew down, Nautical . to secure (a sail) in an unfurled position.

clew up, Nautical . to haul (the lower corners of a square-rig sail) up to the yard by means of the clew lines. ?

spread a large clew

Nautical .

to carry a large amount of sail.

to present an impressive appearance.