DEAR, adjective 1. Scarce; not plentiful. 2. Bearing a high price in comparison of the usual price; more costly than usual; of a higher price than the customary one. Wheat is dear at a dollar a bushel, when the usual price is seventy five cents. This is the effect of scarcity and demand. 3. Of a high value in estimation; greatly valued; beloved; precious. And the last joy was dearer than the rest. Be ye followers of God, as dear children. Ephesians 5:1. DEAR, adjective Hurtful; grievous; hateful. DEAR, verb transitive To make dear DEAR, noun A darling; a word denoting tender affection or endearment; as, my dear
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI