Lin"ger (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lingered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lingering.] [OE. lengen to tarry, AS. lengan to prolong, put off, fr. lang long. . 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.
© Webster 1913.
Lin"ger, v. t.
1.
To protract; to draw out.
[Obs.]
She lingers my desires.
Shak.
2.
To spend or pass in lingering manner; -- with out; as, to linger out one's days on a sick bed.
Dryden.
© Webster 1913.