hugv. i.[Prob. of Scand. origin; cf. Dan. sidde paa huk to squat, Sw. huka sig to squat, Icel. hka. Cf. Huckster.]1. To cower; to crouch; to curl up.(Palsgrave.)2. To crowd together; to cuddle.(Shak.)v. t.1. To press closely within the arms; to clasp to the bosom; to embrace.(Shak.)2. To hold fast; to cling to; to cherish.()We hug deformities if they bear our names. (Glanvill.)3. (Naut.) To keep close to; as, to hug the land; to hug the wind.()To hug one's self, to congratulate one's self; to chuckle.()n. A close embrace or clasping with the arms, as in affection or in wrestling.(Fuller.)