A U-shaped piece of metal with holes in each end, used to connect chains, rods, or equipment, especially on machinery or vehicles.
Origin uncertain; possibly from Dutch klauw (claw) or related to cleek/cleuk (curved hook). First appeared in English technical terminology in the 19th century for farm and industrial equipment.
Clevises are one of humanity's unsung heroes—they're on tractors, trailers, and heavy machinery everywhere, quietly holding civilization together through pure geometric simplicity and a pin or cotter.
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