grip

v. (-pp-) 1 a grasp tightly. B take a firm hold, esp. By friction. 2 compel the attention of. n. 1 a firm hold; tight grasp. B manner of grasping or holding. 2 power of holding attention. 3 a intellectual mastery. B effective control of one's behaviour etc. (lose one's grip). 4 a part of a machine that grips. B part by which a weapon etc. Is held. 5 = *hairgrip. 6 travelling bag.  come (or get) to grips with approach purposefully; begin to deal with. [old english]

n. The griffin.