cleat

• POS: Noun, Verb (transitive)

CIDE DICTIONARY

cleat, n. [OE. clete wedge; cf. D. kloot ball, Ger. kloss, klotz, lump. clod, MHG. klōz lump, ball, wedge, OHG. chlōz ball, round mass.].

•  A strip of wood or iron fastened on transversely to something in order to give strength, prevent warping, hold position, etc.  [1913 Webster]
•  A device made of wood or metal, having two arms, around which turns may be taken with a line or rope so as to hold securely and yet be readily released. It is bolted by the middle to a deck or mast, etc., or it may be lashed to a rope.  [1913 Webster]

cleat, v. t. 

 To strengthen with a cleat.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

cleat, n.
1 a piece of metal, wood, etc., bolted on for fastening ropes to, or to strengthen woodwork etc.
2 a projecting piece on a spar, gangway, boot, etc., to give footing or prevent a rope from slipping.
3 a wedge.

Etymology

OE: cf. CLOT