An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/lungern

by Friedrich Kluge

lungern, vb., ‘to seek prey, yearn,’ ModHG. only; a derivative of the West Teut. adj., MidHG. lunger, OHG. lungar, ‘speedy, quick,’ AS. lungor, ‘quick,’ which, with Gr. ἐλαφρός, ‘quick,’ is connected with the Aryan root lengh, discussed under the preceding word (see leicht).