The action of the vb. CLENCH in various senses.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 80. Clenchynge, retuncio, repancio.
1611. Cotgr., Rivement, a riueting or clenching.
1712. Orator Henley, Spect., No. 396, ¶ 2. The Monopoly of Punns … The late Invasion … by a little Pretender to Clenching in a neighbouring College.
c. 1850. Rudim. Navig. (Weale), 107. Clinching or Clenching, spreading the point of a bolt upon a ring … in order to prevent its drawing.
1880. Kinglake, Crimea, VI. ix. 228. That simple clenching of victory … commonly effected by a pursuit of the beaten troops.
