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. [ 1913 Webster ]
He was hankering to join his friend. J. A. Symonds. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. To linger in expectation or with desire. Thackeray. [ 1913 Webster ]