grip

grip

grip¹ [grip]

n.

[ME gripe < OE gripa, a clutch, handful < base of grīpan: see GRIPE]

1. the act of taking firmly and holding fast with the hand, teeth, an instrument, etc.; secure grasp; firm hold

2. the manner in which this is done

3. any special manner of clasping hands by which members of a secret or fraternal society identify one another as such

☆ 4. the power of grasping firmly [to lose one's grip]

5. the power of understanding; mental grasp [to have a good grip on a matter]

6. firm control; mastery [in the grip of disease, to get a grip on oneself]

7. a mechanical contrivance for clutching or grasping

8. a part by which something is grasped; often, specif., a handle or hilt

☆ 9. [short for GRIPSACK] a small bag or satchel for holding clothes, etc. in traveling

☆ 10. one who handles properties and scenery on a stage or TV or film set

11. Sports the manner of holding a ball, bat, club, racket, etc.

vt.

gripped or gript, gripping

1. to take firmly and hold fast with the hand, teeth, an instrument, etc.

2. to give a GRIP¹ (n. 3) to

3. to fasten or join firmly (to)

4.

a) to get and hold the attention of

b) to have a strong emotional impact on

vi.

to get a grip

——————

come to grips

1. to engage in hand-to-hand fighting

2. to struggle or try to cope (with)

gripper

n.

grip² [grip]

n.

alt. sp. of GRIPPE