clasp / klasp/ • v. [tr.] 1. grasp (something) tightly with one's hand. ∎  place (one's arms) around something so as to hold it tightly: Kate's arms were clasped around her knees. ∎  hold (someone) tightly: he clasped Joanne in his arms. ∎  (clasp one's hands) press one's hands together with the fingers interlaced: he lay on his back with his hands clasped behind his head.2. archaic fasten (something) with a small device, typically a metal one.• n. 1. a device with interlocking parts used for fastening things together: a handbag with a golden clasp. ∎  a silver bar on a medal ribbon, inscribed with the name of the battle at which the wearer was present.2. [in sing.] an embrace. ∎  a grasp or handshake.

CLASP (Consortium of Local Authorities Special Programme). In 1957 several English local education authorities combined resources to develop a system of prefabricated school-building devised in Notts. and evolved by Aslin in Herts.

Bibliography

Lampugnani (ed.) (1988)

clasp sb. fastening consisting of interlocking parts; vb. secure with this. XIV. of unkn. orig.