Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - clew

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English ~e, from Old English cliewen; akin to Old High German kliuwa ball, Sanskrit glau? lump  Date: before 12th century  1. a ball of thread, yarn, or cord  2. clue 1  3.  a. a lower corner or only the after corner of a sail  b. a metal loop attached to the lower corner of a sail  c. plural a combination of lines by which a hammock is suspended  II. transitive verb  Date: 15th century  1. to roll into a ball  2. clue  3. to haul (a sail) up or down by ropes through the ~s