Naut. Also 7 cluling. [f. CLEW sb. + 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. (1703), 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 clewlines, the yard has been hoisted over your head.
