clinch Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun (boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily
noun a small slip noose made with seizing
clench.
noun the flattened part of a nail or bolt or rivet
noun a device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together
clamp.
noun a tight or amorous embrace
squeeze; hug.
- come here and give me a big hug
verb secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts
- The girder was clinched into the wall
verb hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches
verb hold in a tight grasp
clench.
- clench a steering wheel
verb embrace amorously
verb flatten the ends (of nails and rivets)
- the nails were clinched
verb settle conclusively
- clinch a deal

OE. clenchen, prop. causative of clink to cause to clink, to strike; cf. D. klinken to tinkle, rivet. See Clink.

imperfect & past participle Clinched ; present participle & verbal noun Clinching

To hold firmly; to hold fast by grasping or embracing tightly. "Clinch the pointed spear." Dryden.
To set closely together; to close tightly; as, to clinch the teeth or the first. Swift.
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.
To make conclusive; to confirm; to establish; as, to clinch an argument. South.

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.
A pun. Pope.
(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.