■ verb
1》 conclusively settle (a contract, contest, or debate).
2》 secure (a nail or rivet) by driving the point sideways when it has penetrated.
3》 grapple at close quarters.
↘(of two people) embrace.
4》 fasten (a rope or angling line) with a ~ knot.
■ noun
1》 a struggle at close quarters.
↘an embrace.
2》 (also ~ knot ) a knot used to fasten ropes or angling lines, using a half hitch with the end seized back on its own participle
Origin
C16: var. of clench .