[-ING1.] The action of the vb. LINGER. Also rarely in pl., last remaining traces (of something).
a. 1300. Cursor M., 16292. And quils þou liues here wit vs Þi lengring sal be care. Ibid. (c. 1375), 6686 (Fairf.). Þe smyter sal quite his leching and make amendis for his lyngering.
1534. More, Comf. agst. Trib., II. Wks. 1172/1. I know my lingering not likely to last longe, but out wil my snuffe sodainly some daye within a while.
1570. Sir T. Wilson, Demosthenes, 45. Lingering is noysome when necessity requires haste.
1582. Stanyhurst, Æneis, II. (Arb.), 66. Now, quod he, no lingring, let vs hence.
1667. Milton, P. L., II. 701. Least with a whip of Scorpions I pursue Thy lingring.
1822. W. Irving, in Life & Lett. (1864), II. 80. I … am still troubled with lameness and inflammation in the ankles, the lingerings of my tedious malady.
1864. Tennyson, En. Ard., 267. Alter a lingering,… The little innocent soul flitted away.
1886. Willis & Clark, Cambridge, I. 625. A delay of three years … is a striking illustration of … the lingering of all college work.
† b. Hankering (after). Obs.
1608. Hieron, Wks., I. 732/1. Remoue from him … all worldly desires, all lingring after the deceiuing sweetnes of these earthly things.
1642. Rogers, Naaman, 89. Gods judgements … crossing their lingring after Caanan.
