Clamp
Clamp (klamp) , noun
[Compare LG. & Dutch klamp, Danish klampe, also Dutch klampen to fasten, clasp. Compare 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) (Joinery) 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. [Obsolete]
Collocations (1)
Clamp nails , nails used to fasten on clamps in ships.
Clamp (klamp) , transitive verb
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. [English]
Clamp , noun
[Probably an imitative word. Compare Clank.]
A heavy footstep; a tramp.
Clamp , intransitive verb
To tread heavily or clumsily; to clump.
The policeman with clamping feet.