1847. Robb, Squatter Life, p. 98. I did see a creatur’ once, named Sofy Mason … that I tuk an orful hankerin’ arter.
1878. Whitman, Leaves of Grass, ‘Spontaneous Me,’ 90 (ed. 1884). The hairy wild-bee that murmurs and hankers up and down.
Hankin, subs. (commercial).—The trick of putting off bad work for good. [Cf., To play hankey, or To play hanky-panky.]
Hanktelo, subs. (old).—See quots.
1593. Nashe, Strange Newes (Grosart, Wks., ii., 251). Is the Astrologicaall Discourse a better booke than Pierce Pennilesse? Gabriel Hangtelow saies it is?
1690. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, s.v. Hanktelo, a silly Fellow, a meer Cods-head.
1725. New Cant. Dict., s.v.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
Hanky-Panky, subs. (common).—(1) Legerdemain; whence (2) trickery; underhand (q.v.) work; cheating; any manner of [[265]]double-dealing or intrigue. Hanky-panky business = conjuring; hanky-panky work (or tricks) = double-dealing. A bit of hanky-panky = a trick; a piece of knavery.
1841. Punch, Vol. I., p. 88. Only a little hanky-panky.