Dictionary.net

A name applied originally to conservative Democrats in New York, but also used in other States. Though the name was not in use until 1844 the faction to which it applied existed as early as 1835. The Hunkers, in New York, opposed the "loco-foco" faction, the barn-burners and radicals; and finally divided into the "hards" and the "softs." They represented the inertia of the State Democratic party. From 1835 to 1840 they opposed the loco-foco war on bank charters. Later they opposed a revision of the Constitution and the radicals, and were disinclined to oppose slavery. The faction ceased to exist about 1860.