Linger

(lĭng'ger), v. i. [imp. & p. p. LINGERED; p. pr. & vb. n. LINGERING.] [A-S. lengra, compar. of lang, long; Ger. ver-längern, to lengthen, to prolong, protract, from länger, longer.] 1. To delay; to loiter; to remain or wait long. Nor cast one longing, lingering look behind. Gray. 2. To be slow in deciding; to be in suspense; to hesitate. Perhaps thou linger'st, in deep thought detained. Milton. 3. To remain long in any state; as, the patient lingers on a bed of sickness. Syn.—To loiter; lag; saunter; delay; tarry; stop; hesitate. See LOITER.