n.
- A strip of wood or iron used to strengthen or support the surface to which it is attached.
- A projecting piece of metal or hard rubber attached to the underside of a shoe to provide traction.
- cleats A pair of shoes with such projections on the soles.
- A piece of metal or wood having projecting arms or ends on which a rope can be wound or secured.
- A wedge-shaped piece of material, such as wood, that is fastened onto something, such as a spar, to act as a support or prevent slippage.
- A spurlike device used in gripping a tree or pole in climbing.
To supply, support, secure, or strengthen with a cleat.
[Middle English clete, from Old English *clēat, lump, wedge.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
