- clutch
- I
[[t]klʌtʃ[/t]]v. t.1) to seize with or as if with the hands or claws; snatch2) to hold tightly3) sts to spellbind; grip a person's interest or emotions4) to try to seize or grasp (usu. fol. by at):to clutch at a fleeing child[/ex]5) aum to operate the clutch in a vehicle6) the hand, claw, etc., when grasping7) Often, clutches. power or control:to fall into the clutches of the enemy[/ex]8) a tight grip or hold9) a device for gripping something10) aum maca) a mechanism for engaging or disengaging a shaft that drives a mechanism or is driven by another partb) mac aum a pedal or other control for operating this11) spo a critical point or moment12) clo a woman's small strapless handbag13) done in a critical situation:a clutch shot that won the game[/ex]14) dependable in crucial situations:a clutch player[/ex]•Etymology: 1175–1225; ME clucchen, var. of clicchen, OE clyccan to clench IIclutch[[t]klʌtʃ[/t]] n. v. clutched, clutch•ing. n.1) orn a hatch of eggs; the number of eggs produced or incubated at one time2) orn a brood of chickens3) a number of similar things or individuals4) to hatch (chickens)•Etymology: 1715–25; var. of dial. cletch; akin to Scots cleck to hatch
From formal English to slang. 2014.