hanker Meaning, Definition & Usage

Han"ker intransitive verb

Etymology

Prob. fr. hang; cf. D. hunkeren, hengelen.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Hankered ; present participle & verbal noun Hankering

Definitions

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.