The term 'HANGING CLOTH USED AS A BLIND' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: 'DRAPE' (5 letters) and 'CURTAIN' (7 letters). A DRAPE is a piece of cloth that hangs from the ceiling or wall, often used as a decorative element. A CURTAIN is a hanging cloth used to cover windows or doorways, usually for privacy or to block out light. Both drapes and curtains are commonly used as blinds, providing a layer of protection from the outside world while still allowing some light to enter the room.