Noah Webster
Clevy
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.