(a) To grip, take hold; taken to, clutch at (sb.), hold tight to; also, grasp [transl. of L adprehendere]; (b) to take hold of (sb. or sth.), grasp with the hand(s, grab; pick (sb. or sth.) up, lift……

(a) In spite of the fact that, although; also, however much, however many; (b) in clauses restricting or otherwise qualifying the statement of the main clause: except that; granted that; even though……