[f. as prec. + -ING1.]
1. The action of the vb. CLING.
1572. Bossewell, Armorie, III. 3 b. The clinging of the sayd Lyon hys tayle between hys legges.
1678. Rymer, Trag. last Age, 43. These waylings, clingings, and beseechings.
1884. Freeman, in Manch. Guard., 22 Sept., 5/6. An Englishman’s natural clingings to a long and unbroken political past.
† 2. = CLINCHING (of nails). Obs.
1607. Topsell, Four-f. Beasts (1673), 323. Searching the hoof first with a hammer by knocking upon every clinging.
