Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Clamp?

\Clamp\ (kl[a^]mp), n. [Cf. LG. & D. klamp, Dan. klampe, also D. klampen to fasten, clasp. Cf. {Clamber}, {Cramp}.] 1. Something rigid that holds fast or binds things together; a piece of wood or metal, used to hold two or more pieces together. 2. (a) An instrument with a screw or screws by which work is held in its place or two parts are temporarily held together. (b) (Joinery) A piece of wood placed across another, or inserted into another, to bind or strengthen. 3. One of a pair of movable pieces of lead, or other soft material, to cover the jaws of a vise and enable it to grasp without bruising. 4. (Shipbuilding) A thick plank on the inner part of a ship's side, used to sustain the ends of beams. 5. A mass of bricks heaped up to be burned; or of ore for roasting, or of coal for coking. 6. A mollusk. See {Clam}. [Obs.] {Clamp nails}, nails used to fasten on clamps in ships.
\Clamp\ (kl[a^]mp), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Clamped} (kl[a^]mt; 215) p. pr. & vb. n. {Clamping}.] 1. To fasten with a clamp or clamps; to apply a clamp to; to place in a clamp. 2. To cover, as vegetables, with earth. [Eng.]
\Clamp\, n. [Prob. an imitative word. Cf. {Clank}.] A heavy footstep; a tramp.
\Clamp\, v. i. To tread heavily or clumsily; to clump. The policeman with clamping feet. --Thackeray.