Clinch (?; 224), 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.]

1.

To hold firmly; to hold fast by grasping or embracing tightly.

"Clinch the pointed spear."

Dryden.

2.

To set closely together; to close tightly; as, to clinch the teeth or the first.

Swift.

3.

The bend or turn over the point of (something that has been driven trough an object), so that it will hold fast; as, to clinch a nail.

4.

To make conclusive; to confirm; to establish; as, to clinch an argument.

South.

 

© Webster 1913.


Clinch, v. i.

To hold fast; to grasp something firmly; to seize or grasp one another.

 

© Webster 1913.


Clinch (?), n.

1.

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.

2.

A pun.

Pope.

3. 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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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