clog   (klôg, klŏg)    (click for larger image in new window) n.   An obstruction or hindrance. A weight, such as a block, attached to the leg of an animal to hinder movement. A heavy, usually wooden-soled shoe. v.   clogged, clog·ging, clogs v.   tr. To obstruct movement on or in; block up: Heavy traffic clogged the freeways. To hamper the function or activity of; impede: "attorneys clogging our courts with actions designed to harass state and local governments" (Roslyn L. Anderson and Patricia L. Irvin). v.   intr. To become obstructed or choked up: The pipes had clogged with rust. To thicken or stick together; clot. To do a clog dance. [Middle English, block attached to an animal's leg.]

Clog

Clog\, n. [OE. clogge clog, Scot. clag, n., a clot, v., to to obstruct, cover with mud or anything adhesive; prob. of the same origin as E. clay.]

1. That which hinders or impedes motion; hence, an encumbrance, restraint, or impediment, of any kind.

All the ancient, honest, juridical principles and institutions of England are so many clogs to check and retard the headlong course of violence and opression. --Burke.

2. A weight, as a log or block of wood, attached to a man or an animal to hinder motion.

As a dog . . . but chance breaks loose, And quits his clog. --Hudibras.

A clog of lead was round my feet. --Tennyson.

3. A shoe, or sandal, intended to protect the feet from wet, or to increase the apparent stature, and having, therefore, a very thick sole. Cf. Chopine.

In France the peasantry goes barefoot; and the middle sort . . . makes use of wooden clogs. --Harvey.

Clog almanac, a primitive kind of almanac or calendar, formerly used in England, made by cutting notches and figures on the four edges of a clog, or square piece of wood, brass, or bone; -- called also a Runic staff, from the Runic characters used in the numerical notation.

Clog dance, a dance performed by a person wearing clogs, or thick-soled shoes.

Clog dancer.

clog