Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Linger \Lin"ger\ (l[i^][ng]"g[~e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
   {Lingered} (-g[~e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Lingering}.] [OE.
   lengen to tarry, AS. lengan to prolong, put off, fr. lang
   long. [root]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.

         Nor cast one longing, lingering look behind. --Gray.

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

   Syn: To loiter; lag; saunter; delay; tarry; stop; hesitate.