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clasp

Pronunciation: /klɑːsp/

The English word “clasp” has 6 meanings listed here.

noun

  1. A device with interlocking parts used for fastening things together, such as a fastener or a holder.
  2. A bar or insignia on a medal ribbon, to either indicate an additional award of the medal, or the action or service for which it was awarded.
  3. An embrace, a grasp, or handshake.

verb

  1. To take hold of; to grasp.
  2. To shut or fasten together with, or as if with, a clasp.
  3. To cling.

Etymology

Noun dated ca. 1300 and verb dated ca. 1400; from Middle English claspe (“metal catch or hook used to hold things together”), possible metathesis of clapse, which comes from or related to Old English clyppan (“clasp”) (also see clip (verb)). Related to English enclasp (“embrace, hold tightly in one's arms”). Compare hasp, of very similar meaning but older known provenance.

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