[clam] n [ME, fr. OE clamm bond, fetter; akin to OHG klamma constriction, L glomus ball] (bef. 12c): clamp, clasp
[2]clam n, often attrib [[1]clam; fr. the clamping action of the shells] (ca. 1520) 1 a: any of numerous edible marine bivalve mollusks living in sand or mud b: a freshwater mussel
2: a stolid or closemouthed person
3: clamshell
4: dollar 3 [3]clam vi clammed ; clam.ming (1636): to gather clams esp. by digging -- clam.mer n