[f. LINGER v. + -ER1.] One who, or that which, lingers, tarries, etc.; † a dawdler, idler; † one who hankers (after).

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1579.  Tomson, Calvin’s Serm. Tim., 610/2. As oft as we play the lingerers, & cold staruelinges.

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1646.  Gaule, Cases Consc., 3. Our late leaners and lingerers after such a kinde of sect.

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1713.  Steele, Guardian, No. 131, ¶ 1. The mighty body of lingerers, persons who … waste away In gentle inactivity the day.

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1740.  J. Love, Cricket (1770), I. 53. O Flee, you Ling’rer, Flee!

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1820.  Scott, Monast., viii. ‘But you, ye lingerers,’ he added, looking to a knot of beeches which still bore their withered leaves [etc.].

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1892.  Smiles, J. Murray, I. i. 11. The book was a lingerer on his shelves and did not sell.

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1892.  Stevenson, Wrecker, vii. 122. A waterside prowler, a lingerer on wharves.

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