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.