v. & n.
--v.tr. (hugged, hugging)
1. squeeze tightly in one's arms, esp. with affection.
2 (of a bear) squeeze (a person) between its forelegs.
3 keep close to (the shore, kerb, etc.).
4 cherish or cling to (prejudices etc.).
5 refl. congratulate or be pleased with (oneself).
--n.
1. a strong clasp with the arms.
2 a squeezing grip in wrestling.
Derivatives:
huggable adj.
Etymology: 16th c.: prob. f. Scand.: cf. ON hugga console