CLING, verb intransitive

1. To adhere closely; to stick to; to hold fast upon, especially by winding round or embracing; as, the tendril of a vine clings to its support.

Two babes of love close clinging to her waist.

2. To adhere closely; to stick to; as a viscous substance.

3. To adhere closely and firmly, in interest or affection; as, men of a party cling to their leader.

CLING, verb transitive To dry up, or wither.

Till famine cling thee.

In Saxon, clingan is rendered to fade or wither, marcesco, as well as to cling In this sense is used forclingan, participle passive forclungen. The radical sense then appears to be, to contract or draw together; and drying, withering, is expressed by shrinking.