Clinch (klĭnch; 224), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Clinched (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Clinching.] [OE. clenchen, prop. causative of clink to cause to clink, to strike; cf. D. klinken to tinkle, rivet. See Clink.] 1. To hold firmly; to hold fast by grasping or embracing tightly. “Clinch the pointed spear.” Dryden.
2. To set closely together; to close tightly; as, to clinch the teeth or the first. Swift.
3. To bend or turn over the point of (something that has been driven through an object), so that it will hold fast; as, to clinch a nail.
4. To make conclusive; to confirm; to establish; as, to clinch an argument. South.