Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CLAUSE, n. [s as z. Fr. clause; L. clausura, from claudo, to shut; Gr. κλειω, κλειστος; W. claws; Eng. close; Sax. hlidan, to cover; hlid, a cover, a lid, – which see. Class Ld, No. 1, 8, 9. Literally, a close, or inclosure. Hence, that which is included, or contained, within certain limits.]

1. In language or grammar, a member of a period or sentence; a subdivision of a sentence, in which the words are inseparably connected with each other in sense, and can not, with propriety, be separated by a point; as, “there is reason to think that he afterward rose to favor, and obtained several honors civil and military.” In this sentence are two clauses.
2. An article in a contract or other writing; a distinct part of a contract, will, agreement, charter, commission, or other writing; a distinct stipulation, condition, proviso, grant, covenant, &c. – South.