An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Klamm

by Friedrich Kluge

Klamm, m., ‘spasm in the throat,’ from MidHG. klam (gen. klammes), m., ‘cramp, oppression, fetter’; corresponding to AS. clom (o before m, or rather mm, for a), m., f., and n., ‘firm grip, talon, claw, fetter’;. also OHG. chlamma, MidHG. klamme, f. ModHG. klemmen, ‘to squeeze,’ from MidHG. klęmmen (OHG. bichlęmmen), ‘to seize with the claws, squeeze in, press together’; comp. AS. beclęmman, OIc. klemma. — ModHG. Klemme, f., ‘defile,’ from MidHG. klemme, klemde, f., ‘narrowness, cramping,’ OHG. not yet found.