Clasped one tightly, but it was not natural (8)

I believe the answer is:

strained

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'not natural' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for strained that I've seen before include "Awkward" , "taxed" , "''The quality of mercy is not ...'' (The Merchant of Venice)" , "Wooden" , "Tense - put through sieve" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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