Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Pinch \Pinch\, n.
   1. A close compression, as with the ends of the fingers, or
      with an instrument; a nip.

   2. As much as may be taken between the finger and thumb; any
      very small quantity; as, a pinch of snuff.

   3. Pian; pang. ``Necessary's sharp pinch.'' --Shak.

   4. A lever having a projection at one end, acting as a
      fulcrum, -- used chiefly to roll heavy wheels, etc. Called
      also {pinch bar}.

   {At a pinch}, {On a pinch}, in an emergency; as, he could on
      a pinch read a little Latin.