[f. CLAMP v.1 + -ER1; cf. Ger. klampfer.] That which clamps.
1. dial. A clamp; pl. clams, pincers, etc.
1825–79. Jamieson, Clamper, a piece of metal with which a vessel is mended; also, that which is thus patched up. Ibid., Clampers, a sort of pincers used for castrating bulls and other quadrupeds.
1876. Whitby Gloss. (E. D. S.), Clampers, claws, pincers.
b. transf. Clutches; = CLAMP sb.1 2 b.
1855. Whitby Gloss., If I had my clampers on him he should feel the weight o’ my neaf.
2. A piece of iron with prongs or points, fitted on the sole of the boot, to dig into the ice and prevent slipping; called also an ‘ice-creeper.’ (In Sc. dial. clampet is used.)
1856. Kane, Arct. Expl., I. xx. 258. Clampers, to steady them and their sledges on the irregular ice-surfaces.
1874. in Knight, Dict. Mech.
3. In clamper: see quot.
1883. Standard, 23 Oct., 3/5. The land was ‘in clamper’ (the Irish term for litigation).
