Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
CLING
I. intransitive verb (clung; clinging)
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English clingan; 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 clinger noun clingy adjective
II. noun
Date: circa 1625
an act or instance of clinging ; adherence