a. Obs. or dial. [f. TENDER a. + -FUL.] Full of tenderness; affectionate, tenderly kind or attentive. Hence Tenderfully adv.
1640. O. Sedgwick, Christ’s Counsell, 25. Oh how cheerfully, how tenderfully, how much more fully and fruitfully is thy soule inabled after those duties rightly performed.
1892. W. Hubbard-Kernan, Flaming Meteor, 87.
| And I think of the happy homes where wait the tenderful hearts and true— | |
| Of the welcoming kisses at the gate, in the roses and the dew. | |
| Ibid., 127. | |
| It sweetened and strengthened myself to feel | |
| The tenderful touch of thy thrillant palm; | |
| It broadened and brightened my soul—thy leal | |
| Look—conquering and yet calm. |
1901. ‘Zack,’ Tales Dunstable Weir, 136. Tenderful for others.
