Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Cling
Cling
(klĭng)
, Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Clung
(klŭng)
, Clong
(klŏng), Obs.
); p. pr. & vb. n.
Clinging
.] To adhere closely; to stick; to hold fast, especially by twining round or embracing;
as, the tendril of a vine
; – usually followed by to or together. clings
to its supportAnd what hath life for thee
That thou shouldst
That thou shouldst
cling
to it thus? Mrs. Hemans.
Cling
,Verb.
T.
1.
To cause to adhere to, especially by twining round or embracing.
[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
Upon the next tree shalt thou hang alive,
Till famine
cling
thee. Shakespeare
Cling
,Noun.
Adherence; attachment; devotion.
[R.]
A more tenacious
cling
to worldly respects. Milton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Cling
CLING
, v.i.1.
To adhere closely; to stick to; to hold fast upon, especially by winding round or embracing; as, the tendril of a vine clings to its support.Two babes of love close clinging to her waist.
2.
To adhere closely; to stick to; as a viscous substance.3.
To adhere closely and firmly, in interest or affection; as, men of a party cling to their leader.CLING
,Verb.
T.
Till famine cling thee.
In Saxon, clingan is rendered to fade or wither, marcesco, as well as to cling. In this sense is used forclingan, pp. forclungen. The radical sense then appears to be, to contract or draw together; and drying, withering, is expressed by shrinking.