a gripe or clinching with, or as with, the fingers or claws; seizure; grasp.-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.-a device which is used for coupling shafting, etc., so as to transmit motion, and which may be disengaged at pleasure.-any device for gripping an object, as at the end of a chain or tackle.-the nest complement of eggs of a bird.-to seize, clasp, or gripe with the hand, hands, or claws; -- often figuratively; as, to clutch power.-to close tightly; to clinch.-to reach (at something) as if to grasp; to catch or snatch; -- often followed by at.