grasp (v.) Copy link Outline I. With the hands1. prenso, 1 (strictly frequent. of prehendo, but used of any eager grasping)2. prĕhendo, comprĕhendo, 3II. Mentally1. complector, xus, 32. comprĕhendo, di, sum, 33. tĕneo, ui, ntum, 2 (to have g.'d; be in possession of) • grasp (v.): I. With the hands: 1. prenso, 1 (strictly frequent. of prehendo, but used of any eager grasping): to g. any one's arms with the hand, p. manu brachia alicujus, Hor. S. 1, 9, 64: they g. the battlements with their right hands, dextris fastigia prensant, Virg. Freq. of g.ing a person's limbs by way of appeal or entreaty: cf. Tac. H. 1, 66, arma, genua, vestigia prensando, flexere militum animos. 2. prĕhendo, comprĕhendo, 3: v. HOLD (TO TAKE), to seize. II. Mentally: 1. complector, xus, 3: to g. anything in thought, aliquid cogitatione [et mente] c., Cic. Or. 2, 8: v. to embrace. 2. comprĕhendo, di, sum, 3: usu. with cogitatione, mente, animo, Cic.: v. to comprehend. 3. tĕneo, ui, ntum, 2 (to have g.'d; be in possession of): to g. any one's hidden meaning, reconditos alicujus sensus t., Cic. Sext. 10, init.: Ter. See also to understand.