OED (B&M) does say clem, 'pinched with hunger,' is related to MHG klemmen. It also says that its distribution in English dialects makes it possible that it is from ON.

Addendum:

I don't understand; you're saying that since the coincidental spelling klempt is used in an English town the name of which may be of Celtic origin you suspect that there may be no relation between an English word and a Yiddish word? I haven't been keeping track, but I'd be willing to bet thay haven't spoken much Celtic in Wigan for almost 1500 years.

Last edited by Faldage; 01/16/2009 2:01 AM.