pinch

pinch [pinch]

vt.

[ME pinchen < NormFr * pincher < OFr pincier < VL * pinctiare < ? punctiare, to prick (see PUNCHEON¹), infl. by * piccare: see PICADOR]

1. to squeeze between a finger and the thumb or between two surfaces, edges, etc.

2. to nip off the end of (a plant shoot), as for controlling bud development

3. to press painfully upon (some part of the body)

4. to cause distress or discomfort to

5. to cause to become thin, cramped, etc., as by hunger, pain, cold, etc.

6. to restrict closely; straiten; stint: usually in the passive voice

7. Slang

a) to steal

b) to arrest

8. Naut. to sail (a vessel) too close to the wind when closehauled

vi.

1. to squeeze painfully

2.

a) to be stingy or niggardly

b) to be frugal with expenses; economize

☆ 3. Mining to become narrower; hence, to give (out): said of a vein of ore

n.

1. a pinching; squeeze or nip

2.

a) the quantity that may be grasped between the finger and thumb

b) a small amount

3. distress; hardship; difficulty

4. an emergency; urgent situation or time: now usually in the phrase in a pinch

5. Slang

a) a theft

b) an arrest or police raid

adj.

[< PINCH n. 4]

Baseball of or having to do with a substitute hitter or runner

of or having to do with a substitute hitter or runner

——————

pinch pennies

to be very frugal or economical

pincher

n.