Clutch

Definition of Clutch

Pronunciation: klŭcht

A gripe or clinching with, or as with, the fingers or claws; seizure; grasp.

- Carlyle.

But Age, with his stealing steps,
Hath clawed me in his clutch.

- Shak.

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.

(Mach.) A device which is used for coupling shafting, etc., so as to transmit motion, and which may be disengaged at pleasure.

Any device for gripping an object, as at the end of a chain or tackle.

(Zool.) 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.

v. t.

To seize, clasp, or grip with the hand, hands, or claws; - often figuratively; as, to clutch power.

[imp. & p. p. Clutched (klŭcht); p. pr. & vb. n. Clutching.]

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.

To close tightly; to clinch.

Not that I have the power to clutch my hand.

- Shak.

v. i.

To reach (at something) as if to grasp; to catch or snatch; - often followed by at.

to become too tense or frightened to perform properly; used sometimes with up; as, he clutched up on the exam.

Related Words

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Clumper
Clumps
Clumpy
Clumsily
Clumsiness
Clumsy
Clunch
Clung
Cluniac
Cluniacensian
clupeid
Clupeidae
Clupeoid
clusia
Clusiaceae
Cluster
clustered
Clustered column
Clusteringly
Clustery
-Clutch-
clutch hitter
clutches
Clutter
Clycerole
Clydesdale
Clydesdale terrier
Clypeastroid
Clypeate
Clypeiform
Clypeus
Clysmian
Clysmic
Clyster
Clyster pipe
Clytie knot
cm
Cnemial
Cnemial crest
Cnicus
Cnida

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