From Old English 'hlinian' (to recline), from PIE *ḱley- (to lean) — the same root behind incline, decline, and even climate.
To incline or bend from a vertical position; to rest against something for support.
From Old English 'hleonian' or 'hlinian' meaning 'to lean, recline,' from Proto-Germanic *hlainijaną, from PIE *ḱley- (to lean, incline). The same root gives Latin 'clīnāre' and English 'incline.' Key roots: *ḱley- (PIE: "to lean, incline").