to settle (a matter) decisively: After they clinched the deal they went out to celebrate.
2.
to secure (a nail, screw, etc.) in position by beating down the protruding point: He drove the nails through the board and clinched the points flat with a hammer.
3.
to fasten (objects) together by nails, screws, etc., secured in this manner.
4.
Nautical. to fasten by a clinch.
–verb (used without object)
5.
Boxing. to engage in a clinch: The boxers clinched and were separated by the referee.
6.
Slang. to embrace, esp. passionately.
7.
(of a clinched nail, screw, etc.) to hold fast; be secure.
–noun
8.
the act of clinching.
9.
Boxing. an act or instance of one or both boxers holding the other about the arms or body in order to prevent or hinder the opponent's punches.
10.
Slang. a passionate embrace.
11.
a clinched nail or fastening.
12.
the bent part of a clinched nail, screw, etc.
13.
a knot or bend in which a bight or eye is made by making a loop or turn in the rope and seizing the end to the standing part.
(click for larger image in new window) v.
clinched, clinch·ing, clinch·es
v.
tr.
To fix or secure (a nail or bolt, for example) by bending down or flattening the pointed end that protrudes.
To fasten together in this way.
To settle definitely and conclusively; make final: "The cocktail circuit is a constant and more contracts are clinched over pâté than over paper"(Ann L. Trebbe).
Sports To secure (a divisional championship, for instance) before the end of regular season play by having an insurmountable lead.
Nautical To fasten with a clinch.
v.
intr.
To be held together securely.
Sports To hold a boxing opponent's body with one or both arms to prevent or hinder punches.
Slang To embrace amorously.
n.
Something, such as a clamp, that clinches.
The clinched part of a nail, bolt, or rivet.
Sports An act or instance of clinching in boxing.
Nautical A knot in a rope made by a half hitch with the end of the rope fastened back by seizing. Also called clench.
[klinch] 
