Clutch (klŭch; 224), n. [OE.
cloche, cloke, claw, Scot. clook,
cleuck, also OE. cleche claw, clechen,
cleken, to seize; cf. AS. gelæccan (where
ge- is a prefix) to seize. Cf. Latch a catch.]
1. A gripe or clinching with, or as with,
the fingers or claws; seizure; grasp. "The clutch of
poverty." Cowper.
An expiring clutch at popularity.
Carlyle.
But Age, with his stealing steps,
Hath clawed me in his clutch.
Shak.
2. pl. The hands, claws, or
talons, in the act of grasping firmly; -- often figuratively, for
power, rapacity, or cruelty; as, to fall into the clutches
of an adversary.
I must have . . . little care of myself, if I ever
more come near the clutches of such a giant.
Bp. Stillingfleet.
3. (Mach.) A device which is used
for coupling shafting, etc., so as to transmit motion, and which
may be disengaged at pleasure.
4. Any device for gripping an object, as
at the end of a chain or tackle.
5. (Zoöl.) The nest
complement of eggs of a bird.
Bayonet clutch (Mach.), a clutch
in which connection is made by means of bayonets attached to arms
sliding on a feathered shaft. The bayonets slide through holes in
a crosshead fastened on the shaft.
Clutch, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Clutched (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Clutching.] [OE. clucchen. See
Clutch, n.] 1. To
seize, clasp, or gripe with the hand, hands, or claws; -- often
figuratively; as, to clutch power.
A man may set the poles together in his head, and
clutch the whole globe at one intellectual grasp.
Collier.
Is this a dagger which I see before me . . . ?
Come, let me clutch thee.
Shak.
2. To close tightly; to clinch.
Not that I have the power to clutch my
hand.
Shak.
Clutch, v. i. To reach (at
something) as if to grasp; to catch or snatch; -- often followed
by at.
Clutching at the phantoms of the stock
market.
Bankroft.
