CLEVY,

CLEW, noun

1. A ball of thread.

2. The thread that forms a ball; the thread that is used to guide a person in a labyrinth. Hence, any thing that guides or directs one in an intricate case.

3. The lower corner of a square sail, and the aftmost corner of a stay sail.

CLEW, verb transitive

1. In seamanship, to truss up to the yard, by means of clew-garnets or clew-lines, in order to furling.

2. To direct.