Cling (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Clung (?), Clong (), Obs.); p. pr. & vb. n. Clinging.] [AS. clingan to adhere, to wither; akin to Dan. klynge to cluster, crowd. Cf. Clump.]
To adhere closely; to stick; to hold fast, especially by twining round or embracing; as, the tendril of a vine clings to its support; -- usually followed by to or together.
And what hath life for thee
That thou shouldst cling to it thus?
Mrs. Hemans.
© Webster 1913.
Cling, v. t.
1.
To cause to adhere to, especially by twining round or embraching.
[Obs.]
I clung legs as close to his side as I could.
Swift.
2.
To make to dry up or wither.
[Obs.]
If thou speak'st false,
Upon the next tree shalt thou hang alive,
Till famine cling thee.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.
Cling, n.
Adherence; attachment; devotion.
[R.]
A more tenacious cling to worldly respects.
Milton.
© Webster 1913.