Dictionary entry

Pinch (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Pinch, v. i. 1. To act with pressing force; to compress; to squeeze; as, the shoe pinches.

2. (Hunt.) To take hold; to grip, as a dog does.

3. To spare; to be niggardly; to be covetous. Gower.

The wretch whom avarice bids to pinch and spare. Franklin.

To pinch at, to find fault with; to take exception to. Chaucer.