clave

Etymology 1

verb

1. (archaic) simple past and past participle of cleave
   Sir Launcelot put his shield afore him, and put the stroke away of the one giant, and with his sword he clave his head asunder. 1868, Thomas Malory, chapter 11, in Le Morte D'Arthur
   Suddenly a peal of thunder, resonant even above the din of the swinish revelry, clave the very roof and laid a hush of feat upon the boisterous company. 1917, H. P. Lovecraft, The Tomb

Etymology 2

From Spanish clave, from Latin clāvis (“key”). Doublet of clef.

noun

1. singular of claves

noun

1. (music) A characteristic pattern of beats, especially the 3-2 son clave.