Hold

Act of holding; a grasping; manner of holding; clasp; embrace; seizure; gripe; - frequently used reflexively with the verbs lay, take, and have; as, to take hold by the hand. "Let but them find courage to lay hold on this occasion." Milton . -Something which may be seized for support; that which sustains one, or which one takes hold of, or hangs on by. "Without a good hold , (a man) is ready to fall." - Bacon . -Power or influence operating on the mind; advantage that may be employed in directing, persuading, or controlling another; as, I have a hold upon him. "Fear is that pa ion... by which God and his laws take the surest hold of us." - Til lots on. Authority, power, or claim to take and keep. "On your vigour now, my hold of this new kingdom all depends." Milton. -A prison or place of confinement; durance; custody. "The prisoner to his hold retired."-Dryden. -A place of security; a fortified place; a fort; a castle; a stronghold. "Captain of the hold."-Scott. ( Mar. ) The inner cavity of a ve el below decks, divided into compartments by bulkheads acro , for the reception of ballast, water, provisions, and, chiefly, cargo. The divisions of a hold are termed the after - hold , main-hold, and fore - hold , respectively, with reference to their several positions in the ship. (Mus.) Same as PAUSE, q. υ.