Obs. Also 4 clenke. [Exact etymol. doubtful: Stratmann connects it with the stem of CLINK v.1: cf. MHG. klenken, to ring bells.] To chatter, talk against.
c. 1315. Shoreham, 113. He compasyth venjaunce To hym that aȝen clenketh.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 80. Clenchyn a-ȝen (in wrawe speche) or chaueryn [? chatteryn] a-ȝen, for prowde herte, obgarrio.
(To this vb. some refer clench in K. Horn (CLENCH v.1 3), with sense ‘make to sound, twang.’)
