NOUN (3)

1. a metal or leather projection (as from the sole of a shoe); prevents slipping;

2. a fastener (usually with two projecting horns) around which a rope can be secured;

3. a strip of wood or metal used to strengthen the surface to which it is attached;


VERB (2)

1. provide with cleats;
- Example: "cleat running shoes for better traction"

2. secure on a cleat;
- Example: "cleat a line"

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Cleat \Cleat\ (kl[=e]t), n. [OE. clete wedge; cf. D. kloot ball,
   Ger. kloss, klotz, lump. clod, MHG. kl[=o]z lump, ball,
   wedge, OHG. chl[=o]z ball, round mass.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. (Carp.) A strip of wood or iron fastened on transversely
      to something in order to give strength, prevent warping,
      hold position, etc.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Naut.) A device made of wood or metal, having two arms,
      around which turns may be taken with a line or rope so as
      to hold securely and yet be readily released. It is bolted
      by the middle to a deck or mast, etc., or it may be lashed
      to a rope.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Cleat \Cleat\, v. t.
   To strengthen with a cleat.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

cleat
    n 1: a metal or leather projection (as from the sole of a shoe);
         prevents slipping
    2: a fastener (usually with two projecting horns) around which a
       rope can be secured
    3: a strip of wood or metal used to strengthen the surface to
       which it is attached
    v 1: provide with cleats; "cleat running shoes for better
         traction"
    2: secure on a cleat; "cleat a line"