yodan verb with 'ku' ending (archaic), intransitive verb
Archaic intransitive verb. Describes physically clinging to someone or something, or figuratively depending on someone. Modern equivalents include すがりつく or 頼る.
In classical Japanese, it was used like 'the child clings to the mother'.
yodan verb with 'ku' ending (archaic), transitive verb
obtain by pestering
Archaic transitive verb. Means to get something by persistently badgering or pestering someone. No common modern single-word equivalent; closest is せがんで手に入れる.
In old texts, it was used like 'to obtain money by badgering'.
Compound of prefix 掻き (emphasizing the action) and 付く (to stick, attach). The exact historical development is uncertain, but it likely originated as a physical clinging verb and later gained figurative and transitive senses.