Old English Origins:
* "Clue" is the original form, dating back to the 10th century. It comes from the Old English word "clū", meaning "ball of yarn" or "ball of thread".
* "Clue" was used to refer to the ball of yarn used by the mythical figure Ariadne to help Theseus navigate the labyrinth and escape the Minotaur. This is where the connection to the modern meaning of "clue" as a piece of information aiding in solving a mystery originates.
Old French Influence:
* Around the 12th century, the French word "clowe", meaning "nail" or "tack" (specifically a large nail used for fastening), was introduced into English. It ultimately evolved into the word "clew".
* This is why we have the word "clew" used in sailing to refer to the lower corner of a sail where it is secured to a ring or hook (clew ring or clew hook).
Evolution of Meaning:
* The word "clew" underwent a semantic shift over time, incorporating the ideas of both "ball of yarn" and "nail" to represent the act of gathering or securing something.
* This led to its use in nautical terms, where it referred to the act of gathering and securing the loose part of a sail.
* The meaning of "clue" as a piece of information that helps solve a mystery solidified in the 18th century, drawing upon the mythical connection to Ariadne's thread.
Modern Usage:
Today, "clew" is primarily used in these two distinct ways:
* Nautical: The lower corner of a sail where it is secured.
* General: A piece of information that helps solve a mystery or puzzle.
In summary, the word "clew" has a rich history that reflects the evolution of language and the merging of different cultural influences. From its origins as a simple ball of yarn, it has become a multifaceted word with diverse meanings and applications.