Clasp (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Clasped (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Clasping] [OE. claspen,
clapsen, prob. akin to E. clap.] 1.
To shut or fasten together with, or as with, a clasp; to
shut or fasten (a clasp, or that which fastens with a
clasp).
2. To inclose and hold in the hand or
with the arms; to grasp; to embrace.
3. To surround and cling to; to entwine
about. "Clasping ivy." Milton.
Clasp, n. 1.
An adjustable catch, bent plate, or hook, for holding
together two objects or the parts of anything, as the ends of a
belt, the covers of a book, etc.
2. A close embrace; a throwing of the
arms around; a grasping, as with the hand.
Clasp knife, a large knife, the blade of
which folds or shuts into the handle. -- Clasp
lock, a lock which closes or secures itself by
means of a spring.