a hole into which the foot or feet may be inserted; one used as a foothold; (also) a hole made by a foot.

The action or an act of gripping or holding on using the fingers or a finger; (hence) a slight or insecure grip, esp. one from which a more…

The power or opportunity to hold on to something with the hand or hands, esp. in climbing; (also) the action or an act of doing so. Also (and in…

(a) Wrestling and Martial Arts any of various moves in which an opponent is grasped from the side; esp. (in traditional wrestling styles) a hold in…

a place of support for the toe (of a boot) in climbing.

a hold or grip that enables pushing or is secured by pushing; (Mountaineering) = pressure hold n. at pressure, n.1 compounds 3.

Mountaineering and Rock Climbing. A vertical or near-vertical handhold which is located to the side of a climber, and thus cannot be pulled on in…

A hold in which the hand grasps a down-turned edge or point from beneath with the palm upwards, used esp. to maintain balance. Cf. undergrip, n. 2.

a hold maintained by the exertion of sideways or downward pressure.

An act of wedging an open hand in a crack as a handhold.

Ejaculatory phrases, as thank God (†I thank God (obsolete), God be thanked, etc.), thank goodness, thank heaven. Also thank God for that (now…

Mountaineering. = under-hold, n.2

Rock Climbing and Mountaineering. A large handhold that is easy to grip. Cf. jug handle n. at compounds 2.

Rock Climbing and Mountaineering. A bulbous protrusion on a rock face, esp. when used as a belay or hold.

Rock Climbing and Mountaineering. A narrow ledge or similar small hold that can only accommodate the ends of the fingers. Also: (frequently with…