Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CLUTCH, v.i. [This seems to be from the root of Sax. læccan, to seize, whence gelæccan, id. If not, I know not its origin. It may be allied to lock and latch.]

1. To double in the fingers and pinch or compress them together; to clinch. [If n is not radical in clinch, this may be from the same root.]
2. To seize, clasp or gripe with the hand; as, to clutch a dagger; to clutch prey. – Shak. Herbert.
3. To seize, or grasp; as, to clutch the globe at a grasp. – Collier.