A sluice gate or drainage channel; a valve for controlling water flow in dikes and water systems, particularly in Dutch and English contexts.
From Dutch 'sluis' or related Germanic words, entering English through contact with Dutch water management systems, particularly in areas where dikes and water control were critical. Related to 'sluice.'
In countries like the Netherlands, water control meant survival—so they developed specialized vocabulary for every type of gate and channel. The word 'clow' shows how practical engineering created lasting vocabulary.
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