1. (superl.) Bearing a high price; high-priced; costly; expensive.

2. (superl.) Marked by scarcity or dearth, and exorbitance of price; as, a dear year.

3. (superl.) Highly valued; greatly beloved; cherished; precious.

4. (superl.) Hence, close to the heart; heartfelt; present in mind; engaging the attention.

5. (superl.) of agreeable things and interests.

6. (superl.) of disagreeable things and antipathies.

7. (n.) A dear one; lover; sweetheart.

8. (adv.) Dearly; at a high price.

9. (v. t.) To endear.