clutch
verbUK /klʌtʃ/
US /klʌtʃ/
To hold something tightly with your hands.
She clutched her teddy bear when the thunder boomed.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A part in a car that you press with your foot to change gears.
He pressed the clutch before shifting into second gear.
3. A small group of eggs laid together by a bird.
The robin sat on a clutch of three blue eggs.
4. A small purse or bag without a handle.
She carried a silver clutch to the party.
5. A group of people or things that are close together.
A clutch of fans waited by the stage door.