clinch Definition

clinch
verb clinches, clinched, clinching

1. To settle something finally and decisively, eg an argument, deal, etc.

Thesaurus: confirm, secure, seal, settle, conclude, decide, determine.
intr
2. boxing.wrestling.
Said of contestants: to hold each other in a firm grip.
intr
3. colloq
To embrace.
4. To bend over and hammer down the projecting point of a nail, etc, so as to secure it.

noun clinches

1. An act of clinching.
2. boxing.wrestling.
An act of clinging to each other to prevent further blows, create a breathing space, etc.
3. colloq
An embrace between lovers.

Etymology: 16c: variant of clench.