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, the gods presiding over the house and family; the Lares and Penates; hence, all objects endeared by association with home. -- Household troops, troops appointed to attend and guard the sovereign or his residence.

Endearing; diminutive; as, the hypocoristic form of a name. The hypocoristic or pet form of William. Dr. Murray.

See Endear.

Something dear to one as one's existence; a darling; -- used as a term of endearment.

The object of affection; -- often employed in endearing address. "Trust me, love." Dryden. Open the temple gates unto my love. Spenser.

Figuratively, to unite in the closest and most endearing relation. Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you. Jer. iii. 14. To marry ropes. (Naut.) (a) To place two ropes along side of each other so that they may be grasped and hauled on at the same time. (b) To join two ropes end to end s…

My darling; -- an Irish term of endearment for a girl or woman. "Erin mavournin." Campbell.

ften used contemptuously. This medley of philosophy and war. Addison. Love is a medley of endearments, jars, Suspicions, reconcilements, wars. W. Walsh.

A little one; -- used as a term of endearment. [Obs.] Skelton.

A familiar term of endearment. Shak.

A term of endearment. [Obs.] See Mouse. B. Jonson.

A word of endearment for a girl or woman. [Obs.] [Written also pigsnie, pigsny, etc.] Chaucer.

rapes. I come to pluck your berries harsh and crude. Milton. E'en children followed, with endearing wile, And plucked his gown to share the good man's smile. Goldsmith.

Worthy of pity or sympathy; -- used also sometimes as a term of endearment, or as an expression of modesty, and sometimes as a word of contempt. And for mine own poor part, Look you, I'll go pray. Shak. Poor, little, pretty, fluttering thing. Prior.

A pet name for a cat; also, an endearing name for a girl.

One who is pleasantly mischievous or frolicsome; hence, often used as a term of endearment. Ah, you sweet little rogue, you! Shak.

bed; austere; -- said of temper, character, and the like, or of persons. Neither melt nor endear him, but leave him as hard, rugged, and unconcerned as ever. South.

One who is dear to another; a darling; -- a term of endearment. "Wherefore frowns my sweet" B. Jonson.

A darling; -- a word of endearment. Shak.

Anything small; -- frequently applied as a term of endearment to a little child.