Hanker, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Hankered; p. pr. & vb. n. Hankering.] — Webster enters it under “hanker”
Etymology: [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.