clutch

transitive verb

1. to grasp, seize, or snatch with a hand or claw
2. to grasp or hold eagerly or tightly

Origin: ME clucchen < OE clyccan, to clench (infl. in meaning by ME cloke, a claw) < IE *glek- (> cling) < base *gel-: see climb

intransitive verb

1. to snatch or seize (at)
2. to engage the clutch of an automobile, etc.
3. ☆ Informal to become tense with anxiety, fear, etc.: often with up

noun

1. a claw or hand in the act of seizing
2. power; control
3. 1. the act of clutching
   2. a grasp; grip
4. 1. a mechanical, electromagnetic, or hydraulic device for engaging a driving shaft to, or disengaging it from, a driven shaft
   2. the lever or pedal, as in an automobile, by which this device is operated
5. a device for gripping and holding, as in a crane
6. a woman's small handbag with no handle or strap, held in the hand
   also clutch bag
7. ☆ Informal a critical situation or emergency: dependable in the clutch

Origin: ME clucche < the v.

adjective

1. designating or done in a critical situation
2. likely to function well or be successful in such a situation

transitive verb

Origin: dial. < ME clekken (< ON klekja), to hatch

noun

1. a nest of eggs
2. a brood of chicks
3. a number of persons, animals, or things gathered together; cluster