clinch etymology

Etymology:

The word "clinch" derives from the Middle English word "clenchen," which is itself derived from the Old English verb "clencian," meaning "to fasten together."

Meaning:

  • To fasten or hold firmly together, especially by means of nails, bolts, or rivets.
  • To settle or conclude definitively, as a deal or argument.
  • To grapple or engage in close combat, especially in boxing.

Origin:

The ultimate origin of the word "clench" is uncertain, but it is thought to be related to the Germanic word root "klink," which means "to hook." The term was originally used in metalworking and carpentry to refer to the act of joining two pieces of metal or wood together by bending them over and hammering them flat.

Over time, the meaning of "clinch" expanded to include the broader sense of "fastening or holding firmly," as well as the more figurative senses of "settling" or "concluding" and "grappling in close combat."

clinch relate terms

  • clench

    Etymology and Meaning The word clench has multiple origins and meanings Origin 1 Mid

  • cling

    Etymology The word cling comes from the Old English word clingan which means to ad

  • clinch

    Etymology The word clinch derives from the Middle English word clenchen which is it

  • clench

    Etymology and Meaning The word clench has multiple origins and meanings Origin 1 Mid

  • clench

    Etymology and Meaning The word clench has multiple origins and meanings Origin 1 Mid

  • clinch

    Etymology The word clinch derives from the Middle English word clenchen which is it

  • clamp

    Etymology The word clamp comes from the Middle English word claumpe which in turn i

  • squeeze

    Etymology The word squeeze comes from the Middle English word squisen which is in t

  • nail

    Etymology The word nail has multiple etymological origins Germanic nagul or nagl n

  • rivet

    Etymology Old Norman French rivét Latin rivāre to rivet to fix Proto Indo Europe

  • press

    Etymology The word press originates from the Old French word presse which in turn c

  • fasten

    Etymology Middle English fastnen from Old English fæstnian to make firm or secure

  • settle

    Etymology Middle English settelen from Old English setlan from Proto Germanic satli

  • maneuver

    Etymology The word maneuver comes from the French word manœuvre which in turn deri

  • seize

    Etymology The word seize originated from the Middle English word seisen which in tur