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.
2.
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.
3.
a strip of wood, metal, etc., fastened across a surface, as of a plank or series of adjacent planks, for strength or support.
4.
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.
5.
a shoe fitted with such projections.
6.
a metal plate fastened to the sole or heel of a shoe, to protect against wear.
7.
Shipbuilding. a hook-shaped piece of metal supporting a small structural member.
8.
Also called belaying cleat.Nautical. an object of wood or metal having one or two projecting horns to which ropes may be belayed, esp. as fixed to the deck, bulkhead, or stanchion of a vessel.
9.
the cleavage plane of coal as found in a mine.
–verb (used with object)
10.
to supply or strengthen with cleats; fasten to or with a cleat.
Origin: 1350–1400; ME clete wedge, c. OHG klōz lump, ball, D kloot; akin to clot
[kleet] 
