What is the etymology of linger?

The word "linger" has an interesting history, stemming from a mix of Old Norse and Old French roots. Here's a breakdown:

* Old Norse: "langr" meaning "long" or "slow" is the earliest ancestor of the word.

* Old French: "longer" meaning "to prolong" or "to delay" evolved from the Old Norse term.

* Middle English: "lingeren" entered the English language, and it eventually transformed into the modern "linger".

So, essentially, "linger" has its roots in the concept of "lengthening" time, or delaying a departure or action. This aligns perfectly with the word's current meaning of "to stay or remain for an extended period of time".

Interestingly, the word "linger" also shares a connection with "long" and "length," further highlighting its etymology.