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cinch definition

☆ cinch (sinc̸h)

noun

  1. a saddle or pack girth
  2. Informal a firm grip
  3. Slang a thing easy to do or sure to happen

Etymology: MexSp < Sp cincha < L cingulum, a girdle < cingere, to surround, encircle < IE base *kenk-, to gird, encircle > Sans káñcate, (he) binds, Gr kakala, walls

transitive verb

  1. to fasten (a saddle) on (a horse, burro, etc.) with a cinch
  2. to bind firmly
  3. Slang
    1. to get a firm hold on
    2. to make sure of

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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