claught: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely rare / ObsoleteArchaic, Historical, Dialectal (Scottish)
Quick answer
What does “claught” mean?
A past tense or past participle of the obsolete verb 'clatch', meaning to snatch, grab, or seize.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A past tense or past participle of the obsolete verb 'clatch', meaning to snatch, grab, or seize.
A rarely used, archaic verb form found in some historical or dialectal texts, often referring to a quick, grasping action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word 'claught' is primarily a Scots or Northern English dialectal form. It is not used in contemporary American English.
Connotations
In British contexts (where it might appear), it carries a rustic, historical, or literary flavor. It has no connotations in modern American English.
Frequency
Frequency is effectively zero in both modern British and American usage. Any appearance would be highly marked and intentional (e.g., quoting old poetry).
Grammar
How to Use “claught” in a Sentence
[Subject] claught [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “claught” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old shepherd claught the lamb before it could fall.
- He claught up the sword in a moment of fury.
American English
- (Not used in American English. Historical quote example): 'And Death claught at him, but he escaped.'
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or literary studies when quoting archaic sources.
Everyday
Not used in contemporary conversation.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “claught”
- Using 'claught' as a modern synonym for 'caught'.
- Misspelling as 'claut' or 'clought'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an obsolete or dialectal form. It is not part of modern Standard English vocabulary.
No, using 'claught' in contemporary writing or speech would be incorrect and confusing to most listeners/readers.
It originates from Middle English and Scots, a past tense form of 'clatch' (to seize). It is related to the verb 'clutch'.
Learners should recognize it as a historical curiosity but not attempt to actively use it. Understanding its meaning is only necessary for advanced study of historical texts or certain dialects.
A past tense or past participle of the obsolete verb 'clatch', meaning to snatch, grab, or seize.
Claught is usually archaic, historical, dialectal (scottish) in register.
Claught: in British English it is pronounced /klɔːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /klɔːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'caught' but with a sudden 'L' for 'lunge'—he lunged and *claught* the ball.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSSESSION IS HOLDING / CONTROL IS GRASPING (archaic form).
Practice
Quiz
In what context would you most likely encounter the word 'claught'?