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crampon

clamp, crampon

noun krahm-POHN Rare
Travel & Places Movement

Origin: From Old French 'crampe' (hook, cramp), of Germanic origin.

Also means

(informal) pest, clinger

Usage Note

Crampon in technical use refers to a metal clamp or spike — climbers wear crampons on ice and rock, and metalworkers use them to grip materials. Informally it describes a person who clings annoyingly and won't leave you alone, equivalent to English 'leech' or 'barnacle'. The verb cramponner (se) means to hold on tightly or to cling.

Examples

"Il a fixé ses crampons avant de monter."

Natural Translation

He fastened his crampons before climbing.

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