- outrage or dramatic protest, especially from a woman, caused by something the person perceives as vulgar, in bad taste, or morally wrong but that does not elicit a similarly strong reaction from most other people: pearl-clutching over sexual jokes; so much fake pearl-clutching by the candidates.
- noting or relating to someone, especially a woman, who is easily offended or shocked by things the person perceives as vulgar, in bad taste, or morally wrong: pearl-clutching gasps from the audience; pearl-clutching conservatives.
