clutch

clutch n

ME; see clutch, v.

  1. Grasp; control; realm; [fig.] cognition; comprehension; understanding; mental scope; capacity for memory.

clutch [-ed] v

ME clucche; ME cloke was gradually assimilated in form to clutch, to grasp with claws.

  1. Grasp; clench; hold tightly.
  2. Snatch; grab; make an eager effort to seize.
  3. Hold; cling to; hang onto; [fig.] insist on; interrogate with; repeat over and over.