clinch

n 1: (in boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to

avoid being hit and to rest momentarily

2: a small slip noose made with seizing

3: a nail with its point bent over [syn: {clench}]

4: a tight embrace [syn: {hug}]

v 1: secure by clinching

2: hold in a tight grasp; "The boxer clinched his opponent";

"clench a steering wheel" [syn: {clench}]

3: flatten the ends (of nails and rivets)