n. [ OE. cloche, cloke, claw, Scot. clook, cleuck, also OE. cleche claw, clechen, cleken, to seize; cf. AS. gelæccan (where ge- is a prefix) to seize. Cf. Latch a catch. ] 1. A gripe or clinching with, or as with, the fingers or claws; seizure; grasp. “The clutch of poverty.” Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

An expiring clutch at popularity. Carlyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

But Age, with his stealing steps,
Hath clawed me in his clutch. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. pl. The hands, claws, or talons, in the act of grasping firmly; -- often figuratively, for power, rapacity, or cruelty; as, to fall into the clutches of an adversary. [ 1913 Webster ]

I must have . . . little care of myself, if I ever more come near the clutches of such a giant. Bp. Stillingfleet. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Mach.) A device which is used for coupling shafting, etc., so as to transmit motion, and which may be disengaged at pleasure. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Any device for gripping an object, as at the end of a chain or tackle. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Zool.) The nest complement of eggs of a bird. [ 1913 Webster ]

Bayonet clutch (Mach.), a clutch in which connection is made by means of bayonets attached to arms sliding on a feathered shaft. The bayonets slide through holes in a crosshead fastened on the shaft. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Clutched p. pr. & vb. n. Clutching. ] [ OE. clucchen. See Clutch, n. ] 1. To seize, clasp, or grip with the hand, hands, or claws; -- often figuratively; as, to clutch power. [ 1913 Webster ]

A man may set the poles together in his head, and clutch the whole globe at one intellectual grasp. Collier. [ 1913 Webster ]

Is this a dagger which I see before me . . . ?
Come, let me clutch thee. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To close tightly; to clinch. [ 1913 Webster ]

Not that I have the power to clutch my hand. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To reach (at something) as if to grasp; to catch or snatch; -- often followed by at. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. to become too tense or frightened to perform properly; used sometimes with up; as, he clutched up on the exam. [ PJC ]

n. 1. the act of grasping.
Syn. -- clasp, clench, clutch, grasp, grip, hold. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. control; power; -- used in the phrase in one's clutches. Same as clutch{ 2 }. [ PJC ]

n. (Baseball) a batter who hits safely more frequently when men are on base or the team is behind in the score. [ PJC ]

Clutching at the phantoms of the stock market. Bankroft. [ 1913 Webster ]