1. past tense of clew; wound into a ball
Usage: archaic
2. past tense of clew; hauled up the corner of a sail
Usage: nautical

Examples

• She clewed the yarn into a neat ball.
• The sailor clewed up the mainsail before the storm.
• He clewed the rope carefully to avoid tangles.
• The crew clewed the sails as they approached the harbor.
• She clewed her knitting wool after finishing the project.