clampn.[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. (Joinery) An instrument with a screw or screws by which work is held in its place or two parts are temporarily held together.()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.()Clamp nails, nails used to fasten on clamps in ships.()v. t.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.()n.[Prob. an imitative word. Cf. Clank.] A heavy footstep; a tramp.()v. i. To tread heavily or clumsily; to clump.()The policeman with clamping feet. (Thackeray.)