[f. CLAMP v.1 + -ING1.] The action of the vb. CLAMP.
1751. Chambers, Cycl., Clamping.
c. 1860. H. Stuart, Seaman’s Catech., 75. A quarter-iron that opens with a hinge to allow the topmast studdingsail booms to be raised or lowered (called clamping.)
1881. Times, 28 Jan., 3/6. It was officially remarked of this gun—‘Elevating and traversing gear very good; clamping also good.’
1886. All Y. Round, Dec., 499. [Cotton manufacture] The operation of clamping, or stretching the cloth to its proper width evenly throughout its whole length.
