Etymology: < clamber v.²

Etymology: apparently < Old Norse klambra to clamp or pinch together (Vigfusson), apparently a frequentative derivative of *klambjan to press or squeeze, mentioned under clam n.¹ Modern German has, from the same source, klammern, to make fast with a clamp, constrict.

Etymology: In 15th cent. clambre-n , clamer-en . This appears to be a derivative of climb v. (past tense, Middle English clamb , clam ); an equivalent climber v. was in use in 16–17th cent. Compare the relation of wander to wend , wind , of spatter , sputter , to spit , etc. The general 16–17th cent. form clammer also associates itself with climb with silent b . It can hardly be connected (in English) with clamber v.¹, though they probably go back in different ways to the same source: see note to clam n.¹ In German klammer, ‘clam, clamp, hold-fast’, etc., had formerly the sense ‘clutch, claw’; thence a derivative verb ‘to clutch, seize with claws’ comes naturally; sich klammern is actually used in the sense ‘hook oneself on, cling firmly’; clammer or clamber up = ‘get up by catching hold with claws’ would be a natural extension. But links are wanting: klammer ‘claw’ is only Middle High German, clamber up only English, and known only since 15th cent.