Hug \Hug\, v. t. 1. To press closely within the arms; to clasp to the bosom; to embrace. ``And huggen me in his arms.'' --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.