CLAMP

clamp. Clamp, n. a thick piece of wood fastened to another, an iron to confine guns to the carriages

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Clamp (klămp), n. [[Cf. LG. & D. klamp, Dan. klampe, also D. klampen to fasten, clasp. Cf. Clamber, Cramp.]] 1. 1. Something rigid that holds fast or binds things together; a piece of wood or metal, used to hold two or more pieces together.
2. 2. (a) An instrument with a screw or screws by which work is held in its place or two parts are temporarily held together. (b) (Joinery) A piece of wood placed across another, or inserted into another, to bind or strengthen.
3. 3. One of a pair of movable pieces of lead, or other soft material, to cover the jaws of a vise and enable it to grasp without bruising.
4. 4. (Shipbuilding) A thick plank on the inner part of a ship's side, used to sustain the ends of beams.
5. 5. A mass of bricks heaped up to be burned; or of ore for roasting, or of coal for coking.
6. 6. A mollusk. See Clam.
Clamp nails, nails used to fasten on clamps in ships.