clinch / klinch/ • v. [tr.] 1. confirm or settle (a contract or bargain). ∎  conclusively settle (an argument or debate). ∎  confirm the winning or achievement of (a game, competition, or victory): his team clinched the title. ∎  secure (a nail or rivet) by driving the point sideways when it has penetrated. ∎  fasten (a rope or fishing line) with a clinch knot.2. [intr.] grapple at close quarters, esp. (of boxers) so as to be too closely engaged for full-arm blows. ∎  (of two people) embrace.• n. 1. a struggle or scuffle at close quarters, esp. (in boxing) one in which the fighters become too closely engaged for full-arm blows. ∎  an embrace, esp. an amorous one.2. a knot used to fasten a rope to a ring or cringle, using a half hitch with the end seized back on its own part.

clinch var. of CLENCH, now differentiated for certain meanings. XVI.