Meaning of "I am holding for"

I was watching "Gilmore Girls"

Lory (Lorelai’s daughter) just got in private school, but Lorelai discovered that tuition enroll fee is too much high to prepare on short notice. So I think, she decided to call school management(Ms Bell) to ask if there’s any other option. and here’s the line of phone call.

Lorelai :I’m holding for Miss Bell. I’ve been trying all day.

Now, While I know this could mean that she has been looking to connect with Miss Bell whole day, I am kind of confused with use of "holding" here.
I know "hold" when in phone call, it’s mostly used for " wait for" like "hold on please" .

Is the "hold for" is colloquial way of saying "I was waiting to connect to this person whole day"?
Thank you for your reply in advance!!