Linger — Defs

01 v. i. 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 he…

imp. & p. p. Lingered; p. pr. & vb. n. Lingering

1.
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.

02 v. t. To protract; to draw out.

1.
To protract; to draw out.[Obs.]
“She lingers my desires.” — Shak.
2.
To spend or pass in a lingering manner; -- with out; as, to linger out one's days on a sick bed.