I. ˈklasp, -aa(ə)sp, -aisp, -ȧsp noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English claspe, clapse; perhaps akin to Old English clyppan to embrace — more at clip
1.
a. : a releasable catch for holding together two or more objects (as necktie and shirt) or complementary parts of something (as of a book, necklace, or handbag)
b. : a device designed to encircle a tooth to hold a denture in place
c. military : a bar of metal attached across the suspension ribbon of a service medal inscribed with the name of (1) an action or (2) a country or area — called also respectively battle clasp, service clasp
2.
a. obsolete : tendril
b. : the tenaculum of a collembolan
3. : a holding or enveloping with or as if with the arms or hands:
a. : embrace
b. : grip
the hearty clasp of his hand
the iron clasp of never-ending cold — Walter O'Meara
II. verb
( clasped or archaic claspt ; clasped or archaic claspt ; clasping ; clasps )
Etymology: Middle English claspen, clapsen, from claspe, clapse, n.
transitive verb
1.
a. : to fasten or shut together with or as if with a clasp
a robe clasped with a brooch
b. : to furnish with a clasp
a clasped binding of a book
2. : to surround and hold : hold (as a large object) against the body
clasping a bulging briefcase
: entwine about : cling to
clasping ivy
3.
a. : to enclose and hold or press with the arms : embrace , enwrap
b. : to encircle within joined hands usually with interlocked fingers
her hands clasped round one knee — George Meredith
4. : to press (the hands) together especially with interlocked fingers (as in prayer, grief, supplication, or anxiety)
clasping her hands tightly in her lap
5. : to seize or hold (another's hand) firmly (as in greeting, show of affection, congratulation, or encouragement) : grasp cherishingly or protectively
clasping her baby to her bosom
6. : to engage in a clasp : wrap — used with around, round, or over
clasped his enormous fingers tight around the chair arm — Kenneth Roberts
intransitive verb
1. : cling , embrace
2. of lower animals : mate , copulate