[f. CLENCH v.1 + -ER1.] He who or that which clenches; a statement, argument, etc., that clenches or settles the point (more commonly clincher); formerly also CLINCHER 1. Clencher-built: see CLINKER sb.3 6.
1559. Bk. for Just. Peace, 18. The wages of a maister shypwrighte … an able clencher by the daie … iiijd. ob.
c. 1850. Rudim. Navig. (Weale), 98. They … are clencher-built. Ibid., 107. Clencher-built … when the fastenings go through and clench or turn upon the timbers.
1878. Morley, Diderot, I. 41. He would wind up a peroration by dashing his nightcap passionately against the wall, by way of clencher to the argument.
