v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Lingered p. pr. & vb. n. Lingering. ] [ OE. lengen to tarry, AS. lengan to prolong, put off, fr. lang long. √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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nor cast one longing, lingering look behind. Gray. [ 1913 Webster ]

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

Syn. -- To loiter; lag; saunter; delay; tarry; stop; hesitate. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. 1. To protract; to draw out. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

She lingers my desires. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To spend or pass in a lingering manner; -- with out; as, to linger out one's days on a sick bed. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who lingers. Guardian. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ F. ] Linen goods collectively; linen underwear or nightclothes, esp. of women; the clothing of linen and cotton with its lace, etc., worn by a women. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

a. 1. Delaying. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Drawn out in time; remaining long; protracted; as, a lingering disease. [ 1913 Webster ]

To die is the fate of man; but to die with lingering anguish is generally his folly. Rambler. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. With delay; slowly; tediously. [ 1913 Webster ]