The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

clutches \clutches\ n.
   1. the act of grasping.

   Syn: clasp, clench, clutch, grasp, grip, hold.
        [WordNet 1.5]

   2. control; power; -- used in the phrase in one's clutches.
      Same as clutch[2].
      [PJC]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

clutches
    n 1: the act of grasping; "he released his clasp on my arm"; "he
         has a strong grip for an old man"; "she kept a firm hold on
         the railing" [syn: clasp, clench, clutch, clutches,
         grasp, grip, hold]

Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:

50 Moby Thesaurus words for "clutches":
   administration, authority, claws, command, control, digits,
   disposition, domination, dominion, empery, empire, fangs,
   fingernails, fingers, governance, government, grasp, grip, gripe,
   hand, hands, helm, hold, hooks, iron hand, jaws, jurisdiction,
   mandibles, mastership, mastery, maxillae, meathooks, mitts, nails,
   nippers, palm, pincers, pounces, power, raj, regnancy, reign,
   reins of government, rule, sovereignty, sway, talons, teeth,
   unguals, ungulae