Main Entry:

¹cleave

Pronunciation:

\ˈklēv\

Function:

intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

cleaved \ˈklēvd\ or clove \ˈklōv\ also clave \ˈklāv\ ; cleaved; cleav·ing

Etymology:

Middle English clevien, from Old English clifian; akin to Old High German kleben to stick

Date:

before 12th century

: to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly

synonyms see stick