Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AD-HE'SION, n. [adhe'zhun; L. adhæsio.]

1. The act or state of sticking, or being united and attached to; as the adhesion of glue, or of parts united by growth, cement, and the like. Adhesion is generally used in a literal; Adherence, in a metaphorical sense.
2. Sometimes figuratively, adherence, union, or steady attachment; firmness in opinion; as, an adhesion to vice; but in this sense nearly obsolete. The union of bodies by attraction is usually denominated cohesion.