noun

1. the act of taking firmly and holding fast with the hand, teeth, an instrument, etc.; secure grasp; firm hold
2. the manner in which this is done
3. any special manner of clasping hands by which members of a secret or fraternal society identify one another as such
4. ☆ the power of grasping firmly to lose one's grip
5. the power of understanding; mental grasp to have a good grip on a matter
6. firm control; mastery in the grip of disease, to get a grip on oneself
7. a mechanical contrivance for clutching or grasping
8. a part by which something is grasped; often, specif., a handle or hilt
9. ☆

   Etymology: short for gripsack

   a small bag or satchel for holding clothes, etc. in traveling
10. ☆ one who handles properties and scenery on a stage or TV or film set
11. Sports the manner of holding a ball, bat, club, racket, etc.

Etymology: ME gripe < OE gripa, a clutch, handful < base of grīpan: see gripe

transitive verb gripped or gript, gripping grip′·ping

1. to take firmly and hold fast with the hand, teeth, an instrument, etc.
2. to give a grip () to
3. to fasten or join firmly (to)
4. 1. to get and hold the attention of
   2. to have a strong emotional impact on

intransitive verb