loiter

Definition

To stand about without any aim or purpose; to stand about idly.

Etymology

From Middle English loitren, from Middle Dutch loteren ("to shake, wag, wobble"; > modern Dutch leuteren (“to dawdle, ramble”)), ultimately connected with a frequentative form of Proto-Germanic *lūtaną (“to bend, stoop, cower, shrink from, decline”), see lout. Cognate with Dutch leuteren (“to dawdle”), Alemannic German lottern (“to wobble”), German Lotterbube (“rascal”). More at lout, little.

Example Sentences

• "For some reason, they discourage loitering outside the store, but encourage it inside."
• "With weary steps I loiter on, ⁠Tho’ always under alter’d skies ⁠The purple from the distance dies, My prospect and horizon gone."
• "The dancing, which had been suspended, now recommenced with additional animation, and De Candale claimed Francesca's hand; but the rooms were crowded, and they stood for some time loitering on one of the terraces."

Related Words