ˈclew-line, ˈclue-line Naut.
Also 7 cluling.
[f. clew n. + line.]
A tackle connecting the clew of a sail to the upper yard or the mast, by which it is drawn up in furling; sometimes, but not generally, applied to the clew-garnets.
| 1627 Capt. Smith Seaman's Gram. v. 22 The clew line is the same to the top sailes top gallant and spret sailes, as the Clew garnet is to the maine and foresailes. a 1642 Sir W. Monson Naval Tracts iii. (1704) 329/2 He hears the Seamen cry..haul home a Cluling. 1748 Anson's Voy. i. x. 98 Endeavouring to hand the top-sails, the clew-lines and bunt-lines broke. 1762 Falconer Shipwr. ii. 196 Through rattling blocks the clue-lines swiftly run. 1882 Daily Tel. 12 Sept. 2/2 You have overhauled your clew-lines, the yard has been hoisted over your head. |