a ball of thread, yarn, or cord; also, the thread itself.-that which guides or directs one in anything of a doubtful or intricate nature; that which gives a hint in the solution of a mystery.-a lower corner of a square sail, or the after corner of a fore-and-aft sail.-a loop and thimbles at the corner of a sail.-a combination of lines or nettles by which a hammock is suspended.-a ball of thread; a thread or other means of guidance. same as clew.