from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Clutch \Clutch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Clutched} (kl[u^]cht); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Clutching}.] [OE. clucchen. See {Clutch}, n.]
1. To seize, clasp, or grip with the hand, hands, or claws;
-- often figuratively; as, to clutch power.
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A man may set the poles together in his head, and
clutch the whole globe at one intellectual grasp.
--Collier.
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Is this a dagger which I see before me . . . ?
Come, let me clutch thee. --Shak.
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2. To close tightly; to clinch.
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Not that I have the power to clutch my hand. --Shak.
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