Clamp (?), n. [Cf. LG. & D. klamp, Dan. klampe, also D. klampen to fasten, clasp. Cf. Clamer, 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
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.
© Webster 1913.
Clamp (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Clamped (?; 215) 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.]
© Webster 1913.
Clamp, n. [Prob. an imitative word. Cf.Clank.]
A heavy footstep; a tramp.
© Webster 1913.
Clamp, v. i.
To tread heavily or clumsily; to clump.
The policeman with clamping feet.
Thackeray.
© Webster 1913.