clew down
C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To let down the bottom corners of a sail so it falls downward.
Literal meaning: To release the clew (corner) of a sail downward.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
(nautical) To lower a sail by slackening or releasing the clew lines, allowing it to drop.
"The captain ordered the crew to clew down the mainsail as they entered the harbor."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Exclusively nautical. A 'clew' is the lower corner of a sail. 'Clew down' is the opposite of 'clew up.' Used in traditional sailing, particularly with square-rigged vessels. Very rare outside of maritime contexts.
Commonly used with
sail foresail mainsail yard lines
Forms
Base
clew down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
clews down
he/she/it
Past simple
clewed down
yesterday
Past participle
clewed down
have + pp
-ing form
clewing down
continuous
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