GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Clinch , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Clinched ; p. pr. & vb. n. Clinching.] [OE. clenchen, prop. causative of clink to cause to clink, to strike; cf. D. klinken to tinkle, rivet. See Clink.]
   To hold firmly; to hold fast by grasping or embracing tightly. “Clinch the pointed spear.” 
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster
   To set closely together; to close tightly; as, to clinch the teeth or the first.
   Swift.
   
   1913 Webster
   To bend or turn over the point of (something that has been driven through an object), so that it will hold fast; as, to clinch a nail.
   1913 Webster
   To make conclusive; to confirm; to establish; as, to clinch an argument.
   South.
   
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2.       
   Clinch, v. i. To hold fast; to grasp something firmly; to seize or grasp one another.
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3.       
   Clinch , n.
    The act or process of holding fast; that which serves to hold fast; a grip; a grasp; a clamp; a holdfast; as, to get a good clinch of an antagonist, or of a weapon; to secure anything by a clinch.
   1913 Webster
   A pun.
   Pope.
   
   1913 Webster
   (Naut.) A hitch or bend by which a rope is made fast to the ring of an anchor, or the breeching of a ship's gun to the ringbolts.
   1913 Webster