[clamp] n [ME, prob. fr. (assumed) MD klampe; akin to OE clamm bond, fetter--more at clam] (14c) 1: a device designed to bind or constrict or to press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly
2: any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something
[2]clamp vt (ca. 1696) 1: to fasten with or as if with a clamp
2. a: to place by decree: impose--often used with on "~ed on a curfew after the riots" b: to hold tightly