a heavy blow with the hand or a hard object

a clout round the ear

influence or power, especially in politics or business

I knew she carried a lot of clout

a piece of cloth or article of clothing

a target twelve times the usual size, placed flat on the ground with a flag marking its centre and used in long-distance shooting

hit (someone or something) hard

I clouted him round the head

mend with a patch

he helps the women clout their pans