clutch

n 1: the act of grasping; "he released his clasp on my arm"; "he

has a strong grip for an old man"; "she kept a firm hold

on the railing" [syn: {clasp}, {clench}, {clutches}, {grasp},

{grip}, {hold}]

2: a tense critical situation; "he is a good man in the clutch"

3: a number of birds hatched at the same time

4: a collection of things or persons to be handled together

[syn: {batch}]

5: operates a clutch [syn: {clutch pedal}]

6: connects or disconnects driving and driven parts of a

driving mechanism

v 1: take hold of; also metaphorically: "Fear seized the

prisoners" [syn: {seize}, {prehend}]

2: hold firmly, usually with one's hands; "She clutched my arm

when she got scared" [syn: {cling to}, {hold close}, {hold

tight}]