Definition
A U-shaped metal fitting with holes drilled through both arms, used with a clevis pin to form a hinged or pivoting connection between two parts. One part fits between the arms of the clevis, and a pin passes through all three to lock them together while still allowing rotation about the pin.
Plain English
A U-shaped bracket that hooks onto another part. A pin goes through both sides of the U, holding the two pieces together but letting them swing or pivot.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, preflight inspection discussions, and diagrams of control linkages, brake linkages, and other moving connections.
Derivation
From Old English 'clyfian,' meaning to cleave or split. The fitting is named for its split, forked shape — the open U that allows another part to fit inside it.
Why Pilots Care
Maintains precise, secure connections in control systems; wear or improper installation can introduce play or failure in flight controls.
Intuition Check
Do not think of the clevis as just the pin. The clevis is the fork-shaped connector; the pin or bolt passes through it to hold the joint together.
Example Sentence 1
During the preflight walk-around, the pilot checked that the cotter pin was in place through the clevis on the elevator control rod.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight, the pilot inspected the clevis pin for security on the elevator linkage.