Fōnd1, a.
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.]
Sense 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.
Sense 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.
Sense 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.
Sense 4. Foolishly prized or admired; doted on; regarded with excessive affection. [Rare.]
Nor fix on fond abodes to circumscribe thy prayer. Byron.
Sense 5. Trifling; valued by folly. [Obs.] Shak.