Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Hanker \Han"ker\, 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.

            He was hankering to join his friend.  --J. A.
                                                  Symonds.

   2. To linger in expectation or with desire. --Thackeray.