Linger \Lin"ger\ (l[i^][ng]"g[~e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lingered (-g[~e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. Lingering.]

[OE. lengen to tarry, AS. lengan to prolong, put off, fr. lang long. [root]125. See Long, a.]

To delay; to loiter; to remain or wait long; to be slow or reluctant in parting or moving; to be slow in deciding; to be in suspense; to hesitate.

Nor cast one longing, lingering look behind. --Gray.

Perhaps thou linger'st, in deep thoughts detained. --Milton.

Syn: To loiter; lag; saunter; delay; tarry; stop; hesitate.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Linger \Lin"ger\, v. t.

1. To protract; to draw out. [Obs.]

She lingers my desires. --Shak.

2. To spend or pass in a lingering manner; -- with out; as, to linger out one's days on a sick bed. --Dryden.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)