Clew
/kluː/noun
A ball of yarn or thread used in weaving or as a guiding marker.
Did you know?In ancient mythology, a clew was used by Theseus to find his way out of the labyrinth, symbolizing guidance and escape from confusion.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*klu-
“to close or shut, associated with binding or tying.”
Old English
Old English
clew
“a ball of thread or yarn; a means of guiding.”
Middle English
Middle English
clewe
“a ball of thread, often used metaphorically for guidance.”
14th Century
Middle English
clewe
“a guiding thread or clue, particularly in stories and myths.”
Modern English
English
clew
“a literal and figurative term for something that leads one out of a maze or confusion.”