Gripe, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Griped (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Griping.] [AS. gripan; akin to D. grijpen, G. greifen, OHG. gr�fan, Icel. gripa, Sw. gripe, Dan. gribe, Goth. greipan; cf. Lith. graibyti, Russ. grabite to plunder, Skr. grah, grabh, to seize. Cf. Grip, v. t., Grope.]
1. To catch with the hand; to clasp closely with the fingers; to clutch.
2. To seize and hold fast; to embrace closely.
Wouldst thou gripe both gain and pleasure? Robynson (More's Utopia).
3. To pinch; to distress. Specifically, to cause pinching and spasmodic pain to the bowels of, as by the effects of certain purgative or indigestible substances.
How inly sorrow gripes his soul. Shak.