Ma*lin"ger*er (?), n. [F.
malingre sickly, weakly, prob. from mal ill + OF.
heingre, haingre, thin, lean, infirm, fr. L.
aeger.] In the army, a soldier who feigns himself sick,
or who induces or protracts an illness, in order to avoid doing his
duty; hence, in general, one who shirks his duty by pretending
illness or inability.