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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Clutch \Clutch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Clutched} (kl[u^]cht); 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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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.
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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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Clutch \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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