D defs.my
Entry 4 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Cling

/(klĭng)/ · IPA /ˈklɪŋ/
01 v. i. To adhere closely; to stick; to hold fast, especially by twining round or embracing; as, the tendril of a vine clings to its support; -- us…
imp. & p. p. Clung; p. pr. & vb. n. Clinging
  1. 1.
    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.[Obs.]
    “And what hath life for thee That thou shouldst cling to it thus?” — Mrs. Hemans.
02 v. t. To cause to adhere to, especially by twining round or embracing.
  1. 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. 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.
03 n. Adherence; attachment; devotion.
  1. 1.
    Adherence; attachment; devotion.[R.]
    “A more tenacious cling to worldly respects.” Milton.