—n.
1 a heavy blow.
2 colloq. influence, power of effective action esp. in politics or business.
3 dial. a piece of cloth or clothing (cast not a clout).
4 Archery hist. a piece of canvas on a frame, used as a mark.
5 a nail with a large flat head.
6 a patch.
—v.tr.
1 hit hard.
2 mend with a patch.
Etymology: OE clut, rel. to CLEAT, CLOT
Useful english dictionary. 2012.