cleat

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
cleat /kliːt/

▶noun

• 1 a T-shaped or similar projection to which a rope may be attached.

• 2 a projecting wedge on a spar, tool, etc., to prevent slippage.

  ■ one of a number of projections on the sole of a boot, to increase its grip.

  ■ (cleats) N. Amer. athletic shoes with cleats on the soles.

– derivatives
cleated adjective.

– origin ME: of W. Gmc origin; rel. to clot and clout.