Han"ker (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Hankered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Hankering.] [Prob. fr. hang; cf. D. hunkeren, hengelen.]

1.

To long (for) with a keen appetite and uneasiness; to have a vehement desire; -- usually with for or after; as, to hanker after fruit; to hanker after the diversions of the town.

Addison.

He was hankering to join his friend. J. A. Symonds.

2.

To linger in expectation or with desire.

Thackeray.

© Webster 1913.