GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Clutch (klŭch; 224), n. [OE. cloche, cloke, claw, Scot. clook, cleuck, also OE. cleche claw, clechen, cleken, to seize; cf. AS. gelæccan (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.
   
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   An expiring clutch at popularity. Carlyle.
   
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   But Age, with his stealing steps,
   
   Hath clawed me in his clutch. Shak.
   
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   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”.
   
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   I must have . . . little care of myself, if I ever more come near the clutches of such a giant. Bp. Stillingfleet.
   
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   3. (Mach.) A device which is used for coupling shafting, etc., so as to transmit motion, and which may be disengaged at pleasure.
   
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   4. Any device for gripping an object, as at the end of a chain or tackle.
   
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   5. (Zool.) The nest complement of eggs of a bird.
   
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   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.
   
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2.       
   Clutch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Clutched (klŭcht); p. pr. & vb. n. Clutching.] [OE. clucchen. See Clutch, n.]
   1. To seize, clasp, or grip with the hand, hands, or claws; -- often figuratively; as, “to clutch power”.
   
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   A man may set the poles together in his head, and clutch the whole globe at one intellectual grasp. Collier.
   
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   Is this a dagger which I see before me . . . ?
   
   Come, let me clutch thee. Shak.
   
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   2. To close tightly; to clinch.
   
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   Not that I have the power to clutch my hand. Shak.
   
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3.       
   Clutch, v. i.
   1. To reach (at something) as if to grasp; to catch or snatch; -- often followed by at.
   
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   2. to become too tense or frightened to perform properly; used sometimes with up; as, “he clutched up on the exam”.
   
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