- Clamp
- 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.
[1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
4. (Shipbuilding) A thick plank on the inner part of a ship's side, used to sustain the ends of beams. [1913 Webster]
5. A mass of bricks heaped up to be burned; or of ore for roasting, or of coal for coking. [1913 Webster]
6. A mollusk. See {Clam}. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
{Clamp nails}, nails used to fasten on clamps in ships. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.