From en.wiktionary.org:
** Middle Dutch
*** Etymology
From [dum], from [dum], from [dum]. Weak forms are probably influenced by
Etymology 2.
*** Verb
[head=clēven]
1. to stick , to adhere
**** Inflection
[dum][dum]
**** Descendants
- [nl]
- [li]
*** Further reading
- [ID55003]
- [21931]
** Middle English
*** Etymology 1
From [enm], from [enm], from [enm].
**** Alternative forms
- [enm]
**** Pronunciation
- [enm]
**** Verb
[enm]
1. [enm] To cleave ; to split or slice through:
1. To slice at; to make a slashing blow.
2. To make a crack , cut or slice in something.
3. To chop off [separate or sunder] .
2. To break into small pieces; to shatter .
3. To open up ; to split apart .
4. To ruin or finish [cause something's destruction] .
5. To stab someone mortally [by striking at their heart]
***** Conjugation
[c=2]
***** Related terms
- [enm]
- [enm]
- [enm]
- [enm]
***** Descendants
- [en]
- [sco]
***** References
- [entry=clẹ̄ven]
*** Etymology 2
Originally two distinct verbs:
- [enm] , [ang] , from [enm] , from [enm] .
- [enm] , from [enm] , from [enm] .
**** Alternative forms
- [enm]
- [enm]
**** Pronunciation
- [enm]
- [enm]
- [enm]
**** Verb
[enm]
1. [enm] To stick or adhere [often with [enm] or [enm]] :
1. To have cohesion or unity ; to adhere together.
2. To cling [hold onto something]
3. * {{ quote-text | enm | year=1395 | title=Wycliffe Bible | section=Ruth 1:14
|passage=_Therfor, whanne the vois was reisid, eft thei bigunnen to wepe.
Orpha kisside the modir of hir hosebonde, and turnede ayen, and Ruth CLEUYDE
to the modir of hir hosebonde._<br>Afterwards, when the voice was raised, they
began to weep again. Orpah kissed the mother of her husband, and turned
around, and Ruth CLEAVED to the mother of her husband.}}
1. To be adhesive or sticky ; to cause to adhere .
2. To be an inherent or inseparable part; to be intrinsic .
3. To withstand or stay put; to weather time.
4. To believe in a creed or belief .
5. To trust or follow someone.
6. [enm] To stay balanced or coherent.
7. [enm] To convince ; to spread one's beliefs.
8. [enm] To acquire [belongings]
***** Usage notes
Strong forms of this verb are mostly limited to Northern Middle English.
***** Conjugation
[clev]
***** Related terms
- [enm]
***** Descendants
- [en]
- [sco]
***** References
- [entry=clēven]
[enm] [enm]