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more about clutch
clutch |
4 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Clutch \Clutch\ (kl[u^]ch; 224), n. [OE. cloche, cloke, claw, Scot. clook, cleuck, also OE cleche claw, clechen, cleken to seize; cf AS gel[ae]ccan (where ge- is a prefix) to seize. Cf {Latch} a catch.] 1. A gripe or clinching with or as with the fingers or claws; seizure; grasp. ``The clutch of poverty.'' --Cowper. An expiring clutch at popularity. --Carlyle. But Age, with his stealing steps, Hath clawed me in his clutch. --Shak. 2. pl The hands, claws, or talons, in the act of grasping firmly; -- often figuratively, for power, rapacity, or cruelty; as to fall into the clutches of an adversary. I must have . . . little care of myself, if I ever more come near the clutches of such a giant. --Bp. Stillingfleet 3. (Mach.) A device which is used for coupling shafting, etc., so as to transmit motion, and which may be disengaged at pleasure. 4. Any device for gripping an object, as at the end of a chain or tackle. 5. (Zo["o]l.) The nest complement of eggs of a bird. {Bayonet clutch} (Mach.), a clutch in which connection is made by means of bayonets attached to arms sliding on a feathered shaft. The bayonets slide through holes in a crosshead fastened on the shaft. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Clutch \Clutch\, v. i. To reach (at something) as if to grasp; to catch or snatch; -- often followed by at Clutching at the phantoms of the stock market. --Bankroft. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Clutch \Clutch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Clutched}; p. pr & vb n. {Clutching}.] [OE. clucchen See {Clutch}, n.] 1. To seize, clasp, or gripe with the hand, hands, or claws; -- often figuratively; as to clutch power. A man may set the poles together in his head, and clutch the whole globe at one intellectual grasp. --Collier. Is this a dagger which I see before me . . . ? Come let me clutch thee. --Shak. 2. To close tightly; to clinch. Not that I have the power to clutch my hand. --Shak. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: clutch n 1: the act of grasping; "he released his clasp on my arm"; "he has a strong grip for an old man"; "she kept a firm hold on the railing" [syn: {clasp}, {clench}, {clutches}, {grasp}, {grip}, {hold}] 2: a tense critical situation; "he is a good man in the clutch" 3: a number of birds hatched at the same time 4: a collection of things or persons to be handled together [syn: {batch}] 5: operates a clutch [syn: {clutch pedal}] 6: connects or disconnects driving and driven parts of a driving mechanism v 1: take hold of also metaphorically: "Fear seized the prisoners" [syn: {seize}, {prehend}] 2: hold firmly, usually with one's hands; "She clutched my arm when she got scared" [syn: {cling to}, {hold close}, {hold tight}]
more about clutch