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clew

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 3:12 pm
by eberntson
1: a ball of thread, yarn, or cord

Origin: Middle English clewe, from Old English cliewen; akin to Old High German kliuwa ball, Sanskrit glauḥ lump
First Known Use: before 12th century

SRC: Merriam-Webster

There are other sailing definitions, but on a website that lists the names of animal groups (e.g. a pride of lions, a murder of crows, etc), what I found interesting is a "clew of worms". If you have ever raised worms or messed with a bunch this word seems just right. It's certainly what happens after you open the proverbial can of worms.

Re: clew

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 11:48 pm
by Perry Lassiter
Thank you sir. I had no clue.