Word Meaning

pinch definition and meaning

v. t. To press hard or squeeze between the ends of the fingers, between teeth or claws, or between the jaws of an instrument; to squeeze or compress, as between any two hard bodies.
v. t. o seize; to grip; to bite; -- said of animals.
v. t. To plait.
v. t. Figuratively: To cramp; to straiten; to oppress; to starve; to distress; as, to be pinched for money.
v. t. To move, as a railroad car, by prying the wheels with a pinch. See Pinch, n., 4.
v. i. To act with pressing force; to compress; to squeeze; as, the shoe pinches.
v. i. To take hold; to grip, as a dog does.
v. i. To spare; to be niggardly; to be covetous.
n. A close compression, as with the ends of the fingers, or with an instrument; a nip.
n. As much as may be taken between the finger and thumb; any very small quantity; as, a pinch of snuff.
n. Pian; pang.
n. A lever having a projection at one end, acting as a fulcrum, -- used chiefly to roll heavy wheels, etc. Called also pinch bar.

Crossword clues for pinch

- Be frugal
- Nip
- Squeeze with fingers