■ verb
1》 (with reference to one's fist or teeth) close or press together tightly, in response to stress or anger.
2》 hold tightly and firmly.
3》 (of muscles or a muscular part of the body) contract sharply.
■ noun the action of ~ing or the state of being ~ed.
Derivatives
~ed adjective
Origin
OE (in the sense of clinch 'fix securely'): of Gmc origin; related to cling .