from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Hanker \Han"ker\ (h[a^][ng]"k[~e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
{Hankered} (-k[~e]rd); 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]