from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Clinch \Clinch\ (kl[i^]nch; 224), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Clinched}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Clinching}.] [OE. clenchen,
prop. causative of clink to cause to clink, to strike; cf. D.
klinken to tinkle, rivet. See {Clink}.]
1. To hold firmly; to hold fast by grasping or embracing
tightly. "Clinch the pointed spear." --Dryden.
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2. To set closely together; to close tightly; as, to clinch
the teeth or the first. --Swift.
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3. To bend or turn over the point of (something that has been
driven through an object), so that it will hold fast; as,
to clinch a nail.
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4. To make conclusive; to confirm; to establish; as, to
clinch an argument. --South.
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