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.
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            He was hankering to join his friend.  --J. A.
                                                  Symonds.
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   2. To linger in expectation or with desire. --Thackeray.
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