Hanker \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)