Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Clasp

Clasp

(klȧsp)
,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Clasped
(klȧspt)
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Clasping
]
[OE.
claspen
,
clapsen
, prob. akin to E.
clap
.]
1.
To shut or fasten together with, or as with, a clasp; to shut or fasten (a clasp, or that which fastens with a clasp).
2.
To inclose and hold in the hand or with the arms; to grasp; to embrace.
3.
To surround and cling to; to entwine about.
“Clasping ivy.”
Milton.

Clasp

,
Noun.
1.
An adjustable catch, bent plate, or hook, for holding together two objects or the parts of anything, as the ends of a belt, the covers of a book, etc.
2.
A close embrace; a throwing of the arms around; a grasping, as with the hand.
Clasp knife
,
a large knife, the blade of which folds or shuts into the handle.
–
Clasp lock
,
a lock which closes or secures itself by means of a spring.

Webster 1828 Edition

Clasp

CLASP

, n.
1.
A hook for fastening; a catch; a small hook to hold together the covers of a book, or the different parts of a garment, of a belt, &c.
2.
A close embrace; a throwing of the arms round.

CLASP

, v.t.
1.
To shut or fasten together with a clasp.
2.
To catch and hold by twining; to surround and cling to; as the clasping ivy.
3.
To inclose and hold in the hand; or simply to inclose or encompass with the fingers.
4.
To embrace closely; to throw the arms round; to catch with the arms.
5.
To inclose, and press.

Definition 2024

clasp

clasp

English

Noun

clasp ‎(plural clasps)

  1. A fastener or holder, particularly one that clasps.
    I always have a hard time working the clasp on this necklace!
  2. (in the singular) An embrace, a grasp, or handshake.
    He took her hand in a firm clasp.

Translations

Verb

clasp ‎(third-person singular simple present clasps, present participle clasping, simple past and past participle clasped)

  1. (transitive) To take hold of; to grasp; to grab tightly.
    They clasped hands and parted as friends.
    • 1922, Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit:
      And when the Boy dropped off to sleep, the Rabbit would snuggle down close under his little warm chin and dream, with the Boy's hands clasped close round him all night long.
    • 1897, Bram Stoker, Dracula Chapter 21:
      The poor dear lady shivered, and I could see the tension of her nerves as she clasped her husband closer to her and bent her head lower and lower still on his breast.
  2. To shut or fasten together with, or as if with, a clasp.

Translations

Related terms

Anagrams

References

  • “clasp” in Douglas Harper, Online Etymology Dictionary (2001).

Etymology

Noun dated in the 13th Century CE and verb dated in the late 14th Century CE; from claspe, possible modification of clapse, which is from Old English clyppan ‎(“to grasp”). Related to enclasp ‎(“embrace, hold tightly in one's arms”).

Pronunciation

Similar Results