CLASP

I. noun Etymology: Middle English ~e Date: 14th century 1. a device (as a hook) for holding objects or parts together, a device (as a bar) attached to a military medal to indicate an additional award of the medal or the action or service for which it was awarded, a holding or enveloping with or as if with the hands or arms, II. transitive verb Date: 14th century to fasten with or as if with a ~ , to enclose and hold with the arms, to seize with or as if with the hand ; grasp