a. Obs. Forms: 3–5 chere, 4–5 cher, cheere, (5 chier). [a. F. cher, chère dear, OF. chier:—L. cār-um dear. (In sense 2, there was evidently confusion with CHARY.)]
1. Dear. a. Of persons. Also as sb.
1297. R. Glouc. (1724), 166. Þe chere men of lond.
1382. Wyclif, Prov. v. 19. A most cheere hynde and a most kindeli hert calf.
c. 1400. Destr. Troy, XXI. 8629. Þat was chere to Achilles.
a. 1400[?]. Arthur, 306. Þis was a worthy chere.
c. 1450. Lonelich, Grail, xlvi. 448. My brothir dere … of alle othere to me most chere.
b. Of things: Precious, valuable, goodly, etc.
c. 1320. R. Brunne, Medit., 203. No þyng more profytable, ne more chere.
c. 1400. Destr. Troy, 4513. Achilles the choise was in the chere temple.
2. Loving, fond, careful (over). Cf. CHARY.
1393. Langl., P. Pl., C. XVIII. 148. Þat is charite, my leue childe, to be cher ouer thi soule.
1496. Dives & Paup. (W. de W.), X. iii. 373/2. A pellycane, & of al foules he is moost chere ouer his byrdes and moost loueth them.
