I. ˈhaŋkə(r), ˈhaiŋ- verb
( hankered ; hankered ; hankering -k(ə)riŋ ; hankers )
Etymology: probably from Flem. hankeren (akin to Dutch hunkeren ), freq. of hangen to hang; akin to Old High German hāhan to hang — more at hang
intransitive verb
1. now chiefly dialect : to linger or hang around especially in anticipation or desire
used to hanker around the stillroom — Thomas Hughes
2.
a. : to desire strongly and yearn in distress
a thirsty man hankering for water
b. : to experience a controlled but persistent desire — usually used with for or after
hanker to spend an evening in general conversation — Clifton Fadiman
has always hankered to do a bit of acting — Bennett Cerf
spend a lot of time hankering after forbidden pleasures
hankered for a good cup of coffee
3. chiefly Scotland : to hesitate or pause especially in speaking
he hums and he hankers — Robert Burns
transitive verb
: to yearn for : want badly
it supplies what we have long hankered — Saturday Review
Synonyms: see long
II. noun
( -s )
: hankering