I. ˈgrīp verb
( griped ; grip·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English grīpan; akin to Old High German grīfan to grasp, Lithuanian griebti
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. archaic : seize , grasp
2.
a. : afflict , distress
b. : irritate , vex
3. : to cause pinching and spasmodic pain in the bowels of
intransitive verb
1. : to experience gripes
2. : to complain with grumbling
• grip·er noun
II. noun
Date: 13th century
1. archaic : clutch , grasp ; broadly : control , mastery
2. : a pinching spasmodic intestinal pain — usually used in plural
3. : grievance , complaint