clinging

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Cling \Cling\ (kl[i^]ng), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Clung}
   (kl[u^]ng), {Clong} (kl[o^]ng), Obs.); p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Clinging}.] [AS. clingan to adhere, to wither; akin to Dan.
   klynge to cluster, crowd. Cf. {Clump}.]
   To adhere closely; to stick; to hold fast, especially by
   twining round or embracing; as, the tendril of a vine clings
   to its support; -- usually followed by to or together.
   [1913 Webster]

         And what hath life for thee
         That thou shouldst cling to it thus?     --Mrs. Hemans.
   [1913 Webster]