[cling] vi clung ; cling.ing [ME, fr. OE clingan; akin to OHG klunga tangled ball of thread] (bef. 12c) 1 a: to hold together b: to adhere as if glued firmly c: to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously
2. a: to have a strong emotional attachment or dependence b: to remain or linger as if resisting complete dissipation or dispersal "the odor clung to the room for hours" syn see stick -- cling.er n -- clingy adj
[2]cling n (ca. 1625): an act or instance of clinging: adherence