Clewe.
The clewe of a saile, is the lower corner of the saile, which reaches downe to the place where the tacks and sheates are made fast to the saile, and it is counted that part, which comes goaring out from the square of the saile, towards the lower corner; when a saile is much goaring, then she hath a great clew; when a little goaring, then she hath a little clew; when it is cut right square and hath no clew, and yet that lower corner of the saile, shall retaine the name of the clew of the saile: A ship spreads a great clew, that is, hath very broad yards, and so spreads much canvas; it is good to allow a good clew to a maine saile; for by that meanes, the tack will come the better aboord, and the sheate will come farther aft, whereby the saile will hold more wind.