Emily Dickinson Lexicon

clause, n. [OFr < med. L. clausula, close of a period or formula, conclusion.] (webplay: proviso, sentence, will).

1. Constituent; element; section in a will and testament.
2. Phrase; short sentence; formal statement; distinct part of an expression; [polysemy] provision in a prisoner's penalty document.
3. Article; stipulation; proposition in a legal document; [metonymy] law; justice system.