Category:Clamp

Clamp, n. Etym: [Cf. LG. & D. klamp, Dan. klampe, also D. klampen to fasten, clasp. Cf. Clam, 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)

Defn: A thick plank on the inner part of a ship's side, used to sustuan the ends of beams.

5. A mass of bricks heaped up to be burned; or of ore for roasting, or of coal coking.

6. A mollusk. See Clam. [Obs.] Clamp nails, nails used to fasten on clamps in ships.

clamp Clamp, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Clamped 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 Clamp, n. Etym: [Prob. an imitative word. Cf.Clank.]

Defn: A heavy footstep; a tramp.

clamp Clamp, v. i.

Defn: To tread heavily or clumsily; to clump. The policeman with clamping feet. Thackeray.