Standing or waiting around in a place without a clear purpose, often in a way that seems suspicious.
From Dutch 'loteren' meaning to linger or dawdle. The word entered English in the 1500s and gained a slightly negative connotation, suggesting someone was wasting time or up to no good.
Many anti-loitering laws were created to control young people and poor communities—so the word itself carries the history of who was considered 'suspicious' for just existing in public spaces.
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