Pinch

1. A small amount of powder or granules, such as the amount that could be held between the fingertip and thumb tip. Add a pinch of salt to the cake batter.
2. The action of squeezing a small amount of skin and flesh, making it hurt. He gave the wife a gentle pinch.
3. An awkward situation of some kind (especially money or social) which is difficult to escape. We are in a pinch for money.
4. To steal, usually of something almost trivial or inconsequential. He pinched a cigarette from the desk drawer.
5. To take into custody; arrest. The thief was pinched by the police.
6. To cut shoots or buds of a plant in order to shape the plant, or to improve its yield. We pinched off every other bud.

7. To press, squeeze, or bind painfully. This collar pinches.
8. To be miserly. He pinched his pennies.
9. An emergency situation. This old coat will do in a pinch.