clinch

Meanings

Verb

• To clasp; to interlock.
• To make certain; to finalize.
• To fasten securely or permanently.
• To bend and hammer the point of (a nail) so it cannot be removed.
• To embrace passionately.
• To hold firmly; to clench.
• To set closely together; to close tightly.

Noun

• Any of several fastenings.
• The act or process of holding fast; that which serves to hold fast.
• A pun.
• 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.
• A passionate embrace.
• The act of one or both fighters holding onto the other to prevent being hit or engage in standup grappling.

Origin

• 16th-century alteration of clench.