hanger-on noun2 •Someone who hangs on, or sticks to, a person, place, or service.Her love was sought, I do aver, / By twenty beaux and more; / The king himself has follow'd her / When she has walk'd before. / But now her wealth and finery fled, / Her hangers-on cut short all […] — 1760 •(historical) An onsetter. formshangers on · hangers-on