Middle English Dictionary Entry

cherishen v.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Forms cherishen v. Also cher-(e)shen, -issen, -(es)sen, -īcen, -īsen, chirish, charish. Ppl. cherished, -(e)shed, -isit, -ist, -(e)sed, -sid.
Etymology OF ch(i)eriss-, extended stem of ch(i)erir.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) To hold (sb.) dear, have affection for, treat with kindness; ~ with love; loven and ~; (b) to hold (sb.) in high regard, esteem, treat with respect or favor; (c) to take (sth.) to heart, cherish.
Show 24 Quotations
2a.
(a) To treat (sb.) with loving care, take good care of, foster; ~ fro, protect from (sth.); (b) to pet or pamper (a child, one's appetite).
Show 12 Quotations
2b.
(a) To treat (sb. in a certain manner); take care of (sth.); (b) to cultivate (asparagus).
Show 6 Quotations
3.
(a) To greet or welcome (sb.), pay one's respects to; (b) to treat (sb.) hospitably; provide (with sustenance).
Show 5 Quotations
4.
(a) To promote the interests or well-being of (sb.), bestow favor upon; to further, favor (sb.); ~ to spede; ~ with giftes; (b) to promote or foster (a cause, an ideal, etc.).
Show 21 Quotations
5.
To fill (sb.) with good cheer; entertain, delight, comfort; ~ with chere.
Show 4 Quotations
6.
(a) To encourage (sb.), exhort, incite; ~ fro, lure away from; (b) to coax (an animal).
Show 7 Quotations

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • ?c1500 Hrl.2252 Artist.Recipes (Hrl 2252) 76/14 : Yf hyt smelle yll do þerto a lytell saffron to cherysshe and yt wyll make hyt swete.
    • Note: Clarke's gloss = 'enhance'. ?New sense.

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