clutch
Cross references:
1. take
1. clutch \'kl*ch\ vb [ME clucchen, fr. OE clyccan; akin to MIr glacc hand
- more] at CLING 1: to grasp or hold with or as if with the hand or claws
usu. strongly, ti ghtly, or suddenly obs 2: CLENCH : to seek to grasp and
hold
2. clutch n 1a: the claws or a hand in the act of grasping or seizing
firmly 1b: CONTROL, POWER 1c: the act of grasping, holding, or
restraining 2: a device for gripping an object (as at the end of a chain
or tackle) 3a: a coupling used to connect and disconnect a driving and a
driven part o f a mechanism 3b: a lever operating such a clutch 4: a tight
or critical situation : PINCH
3. clutch n [alter. of dial. E cletch (hatching, brood)] : a nest of eggs
or a brood of chicks