Lin"gence (ln"jens), n. [L. lingere to lick.] A linctus. [Obs.] Fuller.
Lin"ger (l"gr), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lingered (- grd); p. pr. & vb. n.
Lingering.] [OE. lengen to tarry, AS. lengan to prolong, put off, fr.
lang long. √125. See Long, a.] To delay; to loiter; to remain or
wait long; to be slow or reluctant in parting or moving; to be slow in
deciding; to be in suspense; to hesitate.
Nor cast one longing, lingering look behind.
Gray.
Perhaps thou linger'st, in deep thoughts detained.
Milton.
Syn. -- To loiter; lag; saunter; delay; tarry; stop; hesitate.