Fond

a. [compar. FONDER; superl. FONDEST.] [For fonned, p. p. of O. Eng. fonne, to be foolish, to dote, Scot. fon, to play the fool, fone, to fondle, to toy. See supra.]

1Sense 1. Foolish; silly; simple; weak; indiscreet; imprudent. [Obs.]

Grant I may never prove so fond To trust man on his oath or bond. Shak.

A fond fame is best confuted by neglecting it. By fond, understand such a report as is rather ridiculous than dangerous if believed. Fuller.

Fond thoughts may fall into some idle brain. Davies.

2Sense 2. Foolishly tender and loving; doting; weakly indulgent; over-affectionate; especially not in a bad sense, loving; tender; as, a fond mother or wife.

Addison.

3Sense 3. Much pleased; loving ardently; delighted with; relishing highly;—followed by of.

You are as fond of grief as of your child. Shak.

A great traveler, and fond of telling his adventures. Irving.

4Sense 4. Foolishly prized or admired; doted on; regarded with excessive affection. [Rare.]

Nor fix on fond abodes to circumscribe thy prayer. Byron.

5Sense 5. Trifling; valued by folly. [Obs.] Shak.

v. t. To treat with great indulgence or tenderness; to caress; to fondle. [Obs.] The Tyrian hugs and fonds thee on her breast. Dryden.

To be fond of; to be in love with; to dote on. [Obs.] Shak.