v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. confirm or settle (an argument, bargain, etc.) conclusively.
2 intr. Boxing & Wrestling (of participants) become too closely engaged.
3 intr. colloq. embrace.
4 tr. secure (a nail or rivet) by driving the point sideways when through.
5 tr. Naut. fasten (a rope) with a particular half hitch.
--n.
1. a a clinching action. b a clinched state.
2 colloq. an (esp. amorous) embrace.
3 Boxing & Wrestling an action or state in which participants become too closely engaged.
Etymology: 16th-c. var. of CLENCH