(n.) A device for grasping or holding anything; a brake to stop a wheel.
(n.) A vulture; the griffin.
(n.) An assemblage of ropes, dead-eyes, and hocks, fastened to ringbolts in the deck, to secure the boats when hoisted; also, broad bands passed around a boat to secure it at the davits and prevent swinging.
(n.) Grasp; seizure; fast hold; clutch.
(n.) Oppression; cruel exaction; affiction; pinching distress; as, the gripe of poverty.
(n.) Pinching and spasmodic pain in the intestines; -- chiefly used in the plural.
(n.) That on which the grasp is put; a handle; a grip; as, the gripe of a sword.
(n.) The compass or sharpness of a ship's stern under the water, having a tendency to make her keep a good wind.
(n.) The piece of timber which terminates the keel at the fore end; the forefoot.
(v. i.) To clutch, hold, or pinch a thing, esp. money, with a gripe or as with a gripe.
(v. i.) To suffer griping pains.
(v. i.) To tend to come up into the wind, as a ship which, when sailing closehauled, requires constant labor at the helm.
(v. t.) To catch with the hand; to clasp closely with the fingers; to clutch.
(v. t.) To pinch; to distress. Specifically, to cause pinching and spasmodic pain to the bowels of, as by the effects of certain purgative or indigestible substances.
(v. t.) To seize and hold fast; to embrace closely.