Clūb1, n.
n. [Dan. klubbe, Sw. klubba, from L. Ger. & D. kloppen, N. H. Ger. klopfen, O. H. Ger. chlofon, chlophon, to knock.] 1. A heavy staff or piece of wood, usually tapering in form, and wielded with the hand. But make you ready your stiff bats and clubs; Rome and her rats are at the point of battle. Shak.
- One of the four suits of cards, having a figure somewhat like that of the trefoil or clover-leaf;—used generally in the plural.
- [Either akin to Ger. klump, lump, mass, crowd, from M. H. Ger. klümpfen, to press together, or 4, dividend of expense, from A-S. cleofan, to split, divide, is the original sense; hence, a company or association, to which every one contributes his share.] An association of persons for the promotion of some common object, as literature, science, politics, good fellowship, &c.
He [Goldsmith] was one of the nine original members of that celebrated fraternity which has sometimes been called the Literary Club, but which has always disclaimed that epithet, and still glories in the simple name of The Club. Macaulay. 4. The dividend or share of expense at a club or other association. They laid down their club, and this they called forcing a trade. L'Estrange. We dined at a French house, but paid ten shillings for our part of the club. Pepys.