v. 1 a squeeze tightly, esp. between finger and thumb. b (often absol.) (of a shoe etc.) constrict painfully. 2 (of cold, hunger, etc.) affect painfully. 3 slang a steal. b arrest. 4 (as pinched adj.) (of the features) drawn. 5 a (usu. foil. by in, of, for, etc.) stint. b be niggardly. 6 (usu. foil. by out, back, down) remove (leaves, buds, etc.) to encourage bushy growth. n. 1 act of pinching. 2 amount that can be taken up with fingers and thumb (pinch of snuff). 3 the stress caused by poverty etc. o at (or in) a pinch in an emergency. [French pincer]
