in antiquity, an ornament upon the robes of the Roman senators and knights, which was more or less broad, according to the dignity of the person; hence the distinction of tunica augusti-clavia and laticlavia.

in medicine and surgery, is used in several significations: 1. Clavus hyfericus, is a shooting pain in the head, between the perianium and cranium, which affects such as have the green-fickness. 2. Clavus oculorum, according to Celsus, is a callous tubercle on the white of the eye, taking its denomination from its figure. 3. Clavus imports indurated tubercles of the uterus. 4. Clavus imports a surgical instrument of gold, mentioned by Amatus Lusitanus, designed to be introduced into an exulcerated palate, for the better articulation of the voice. 5. Clavus is a callus or corn on the foot.