v.
be slow or reluctant to leave.
▸
(linger over)
spend a long time over.
▸
(usu. linger on)
be slow to disappear or die.
Derivative
- lingerer n.
- lingering adj.
- lingeringly adv.
Etymology
ME: frequentative of obs. leng ‘prolong’, of Gmc origin; rel. to long1.