1. A nail or nail-like object; in anatomy, a clubfoot or similar deformity.
Usage: medical/anatomical term; from Latin
2. In Roman history, a stripe or band of purple on a garment worn by senators or knights.
Usage: historical; Roman antiquity

Examples

• The physician diagnosed the patient with clavus, a congenital foot deformity.
• Roman senators were distinguished by the clavus on their togas.
• The clavus appeared as a narrow purple stripe on formal Roman dress.
• Medieval texts borrowed the Latin term clavus to describe various nail-like growths.