Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Gripe \Gripe\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Griped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Griping}.] [AS. gripan; akin to D. grijpen, G. greifen, OHG.
   gr?fan, Icel. gripa, Sw. gripe, Dan. gribe, Goth. greipan;
   cf. Lith. graibyti, Russ. grabite to plunder, Skr. grah,
   grabh, to seize. Cf. {Grip}, v. t., {Grope}.]
   1. To catch with the hand; to clasp closely with the fingers;
      to clutch.

   2. To seize and hold fast; to embrace closely.

            Wouldst thou gripe both gain and pleasure ?
                                                  --Robynson
                                                  (More's
                                                  Utopia).

   3. To pinch; to distress. Specifically, to cause pinching and
      spasmodic pain to the bowels of, as by the effects of
      certain purgative or indigestible substances.

            How inly sorrow gripes his soul.      --Shak.