clamber

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to climb with difficulty, using hands and feet

   The children clambered over the rocks to reach the beach.

2. 2
   noun

   an awkward or difficult climb

   The last few metres were a steep clamber through loose stones.

From Middle English clambren, probably related to climb and influenced by Germanic words for clinging or pressing. Its sound and sense both suggest a rough, hands-and-feet ascent.

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