stick

n.

the sticks*

stick

v.

1. To remain fastened

   adhere, cling, fasten, attach, cleave, unite, cohere, hold, stick together, hug, clasp, hold fast, stick like wax, stick like glue*, cling like a bur, cling like ivy, stick like a leech.

   Antonyms loosen*, let go*, fall*, come away.

2. To penetrate with a point

   prick, impale, pierce; see penetrate 1, stab.

stick is the simple, general term here, implying attachment by gluing or fastening together, by close association, etc. to stick a stamp on a letter, to stick to a subject; adhere implies firm attachment and, of persons, denotes voluntary allegiance or devotion as to an idea, cause, or leader to adhere to a policy; cohere implies such close sticking together of parts as to form a single mass glue made the particles of sawdust cohere; cling implies attachment by embracing, entwining, or grasping with the arms, tendrils, etc. a vine clinging to the trellis; cleave implies a very close, firm attachment my tongue cleaved to the roof of my mouth, Ruth cleaved to Naomi

on the stick*