hanker
verb (used without object)
to have a restless or incessant longing (often followed by after, for, or an infinitive).
had hankered
-
past perfectof hanker.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ever since his student days at Johns Hopkins and in England, Germany, Switzerland and France, William Seifriz had hankered for generous supplies of "naked proto-plasm."
From Time Magazine Archive
For a long time they had "hankered" to visit the boys in Brooklyn, but money was scarce and the little farm with the live stock could not be left uncared for.
From My Actor-Husband A true story of American stage life by Anonymous
Boyd was now in possession of the raw material for which he had hankered, and he forthwith proceeded to show his extraordinary skill in welding, tempering, and sharpening it.
From Gentlemen Rovers by E. Alexander (Edward Alexander) Powell
The Dean had hankered much after the office, but had abstained from asking with a feeling that should the request be refused a coolness would be engendered which he himself would be unable to repress.
From Is He Popenjoy? by Anthony Trollope
And he was so infirm of purpose, that though he had hankered after it all, he would not open his hand to take it,—because he was afraid of such a little thing as Lucy Morris!
From The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope
