— hugger , n. — huggingly , adv.
/hug/ , v. , hugged, hugging , n.
v.t.
1. to clasp tightly in the arms, esp. with affection; embrace.
2. to cling firmly or fondly to; cherish: to hug an opinion.
3. to keep close to, as in sailing, walking, or in moving along or alongside of: to hug the shore; to hug the road.
v.i.
4. to cling together; lie close.
n.
5. a tight clasp with the arms; embrace.
[ 1560-70; perh. hugga to soothe, console; akin to OE hogian to care for ]