grip 1 
(grĭp)
(grĭp)n.
1.
a. A tight hold; a firm grasp: a drowning swimmer now safely in the grip of a lifeguard.
b. The pressure or strength of such a grasp: a wrestler with an unmatched grip.
c. A manner of grasping and holding: The crate afforded no comfortable grip.
2.
a. Intellectual hold; understanding: a good grip on French history.
b. Ability to function properly or well; competence: getting a grip on the new technique.
c. Mental or emotional composure: lost his grip after he was fired.
3.
a. A mechanical device that grasps and holds.
b. A part, such as a handle, that is designed to be grasped and held.
4. A suitcase or valise.
5.
a. A stagehand who helps in shifting scenery.
b. A member of a film production crew who adjusts sets, lighting, and props and sometimes assists the camera operator.
v. gripped, grip·ping, grips
v.tr.
1. To secure and maintain a tight hold on; seize firmly.
2. To hold the interest or attention of: a scene that gripped the entire audience.
v.intr.
To maintain a secure grasp.
[Middle English, from Old English gripe, grasp and gripa, handful.]
gripper n.
gripping·ly adv.