Han″ker (hăṉ″kẽr), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Hankered (–kẽrd); 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.