v. Obs. rare. [Corresponds to WFris. (and Du.) kleyen (Kilian 1598), EFris. kleien, klaien, MLG. and LG. kleyen, kleien (see Grimm), to scratch with the nails, to claw (the head, etc.). Also in same sense, OSw. kleya, Norw. kleia: cf. ON. klǽja to itch, to scratch. From same root as CLAW.] trans. To scratch.
1587. M. Grove, Pelops & Hipp. (1878), 116. Her head was growne so hye Aboue my pate, that able she was it with nayles to clye.