a wedge-shaped block fastened to a surface to serve as a check or support: He nailed cleats into the sides of the bookcase to keep the supports from slipping.
a strip of metal, wood, or the like, fastened across a surface, as a ramp or gangway, to provide sure footing or to maintain an object in place.
a strip of wood, metal, etc., fastened across a surface, as of a plank or series of adjacent planks, for strength or support.
a conical or rectangular projection, usually of hard rubber, or a metal strip with sharp projections, built into or attached to the sole of a shoe to provide greater traction.
a shoe fitted with such projections.
a metal plate fastened to the sole or heel of a shoe, to protect against wear.
Shipbuilding. a hook-shaped piece of metal supporting a small structural member.
Also called belaying cleat. Nautical. an object of wood or metal having one or two projecting horns to which ropes may be belayed, especially as fixed to the deck, bulkhead, or stanchion of a vessel.
the cleavage plane of coal as found in a mine.
verb (used with object)
to supply or strengthen with cleats; fasten to or with a cleat.
Origin of cleat
1350–1400; Middle English clete wedge, cognate with Old High German klōz lump, ball, Dutch kloot; akin to clot
The young man, clinging to a cleat and watching the struggles of their craft, waved a mittened hand to signify that he agreed.
Blow The Man Down|Holman Day
The towel may hang over the extending end of the cleat, and you can make a small bark dish for the soap.
On the Trail|Lina Beard and Adelia Belle Beard
The end of the strip is then caught against the cleat and the piece bent around the curve.
Woodworking for Beginners|Charles Gardner Wheeler
But, he cogitated on the bench inside, getting his other cleat off and the tip back on his stick, things do even out.
A Matter of Proportion|Anne Walker
Where the strain is not too great the holders may be used without a cleat, making an effective flat fastening.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various
British Dictionary definitions for cleat
cleat
/ (kliːt) /
noun
a wedge-shaped block, usually of wood, attached to a structure to act as a support
a device consisting of two hornlike prongs projecting horizontally in opposite directions from a central base, used for securing lines on vessels, wharves, etc
a short length of angle iron used as a bracket
a piece of metal, leather, etc, attached to the sole of a shoe to prevent wear or slipping
a small triangular-shaped nail used in glazing
any of the main cleavage planes in a coal seam
verb(tr)
to supply or support with a cleat or cleats
to secure (a line) on a cleat
Word Origin for cleat
C14: of Germanic origin, compare Old High German chlōz clod, lump, Dutch kloot ball