CLING

I. intransitive verb (clung; ~ing) Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ~an; akin to Old High German klunga tangled ball of thread Date: before 12th century 1. to hold together, to adhere as if glued firmly, to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously, 2. to have a strong emotional attachment or dependence , to remain or linger as if resisting complete dissipation or dispersal , see: stick ~er noun ~y adjective II. noun Date: circa 1625 an act or instance of ~ing ; adherence