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being endeared; also, that which manifests, excites, or increases, affection. "The great endearments of prudent and temperate speech." Jer. Taylor. Her first endearments twining round the soul. Thomson.

A fine fellow; -- a term of endearment. [Obs.] "How now, my bawcock " Shak.

An act of endearment; any act or expression of affection; an embracing, or touching, with tenderness. Wooed her with his soft caresses. Langfellow. He exerted himself to win by indulgence and caresses the hearts of all who were under his command. Macaulay.

A child or young person; -- a term of endearment. Shak.

A chicken; a fowl; also, a trivial term of endearment for a child.

A word of endearment; -- corrupted from chick. "Pray, chuck, come hither." Shak.

of her mother's fears. Shak. Cheer thy spirit with this comfort. Shak. Speaking words of endearment where words of comfort availed not. Longfellow.

A human being, in pity, contempt, or endearment; as, a poor creature; a pretty creature. The world hath not a sweeter creature. Shak.

A word of endearment for one regarded as pure and gentle. O my dove, . . . let me hear thy voice. Cant. ii. 14. Dove tick (Zoöl.), a mite (Argas reflexus) which infests doves and other birds. -- Soiled dove, a prostitute. [Slang]

With affection or endearment; dearly.

A term of endearment; darling; -- corrupted from honey. [Prov. Eng.] Wright.

Sweet one; -- a term of endearment. Chaucer. Honey, you shall be well desired in Cyprus. Shak.

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

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.

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.