\Clamp\ (kl[a^]mp), n. [Cf. LG. & D. klamp, Dan. klampe,
also D. klampen to fasten, clasp. Cf. {Clamber}, {Cramp}.]
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.
   (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. 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. (Shipbuilding) A thick plank on the inner part of a ship's
   side, used to sustain the ends of beams.

5. A mass of bricks heaped up to be burned; or of ore for
   roasting, or of coal for coking.

6. A mollusk. See {Clam}. [Obs.]

{Clamp nails}, nails used to fasten on clamps in ships.

\Clamp\ (kl[a^]mp), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Clamped}
(kl[a^]mt; 215) p. pr. & vb. n. {Clamping}.]
1. To fasten with a clamp or clamps; to apply a clamp to; to
   place in a clamp.

2. To cover, as vegetables, with earth. [Eng.]

\Clamp\, n. [Prob. an imitative word. Cf. {Clank}.]
A heavy footstep; a tramp.

\Clamp\, v. i.
To tread heavily or clumsily; to clump.

      The policeman with clamping feet.        --Thackeray.