Part 251

Nor fix on fond abodes to circumscribe thy prayer.

Byron.

6. Trifling; valued by folly; trivial. [Obs.] Shak.

Fond, v. t. To caress; to fondle. [Obs.]

The Tyrian hugs and fonds thee on her breast.

Dryden.

Fond, v. i. To be fond; to dote. [Obs.] Shak.

Fond"e (?), v. t. & i. [AS. fandian to try.] To endeavor; to strive; to try. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Fon"dle (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fondled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fondling (?).] [From Fond, v.] To treat or handle with tenderness or in a loving manner; to caress; as, a nurse fondles a child.

Syn. -- See Caress.

Fon"dler (?), n. One who fondles. Johnson.

Fon"dling (?), n. [From Fondle.] The act of caressing; manifestation of tenderness.

Cyrus made no . . . amorous fondling To fan her pride, or melt her guardless heart.

Mickle.

Fond"ling (?), n. [Fond + - ling.] 1. A person or thing fondled or caressed; one treated with foolish or doting affection.

Fondlings are in danger to be made fools.

L'Estrange.

2. A fool; a simpleton; a ninny. [Obs.] Chapman.

Fond"ly (?), adv. 1. Foolishly. [Archaic] Verstegan (1673).

Make him speak fondly like a frantic man.

Shak.

2. In a fond manner; affectionately; tenderly.

My heart, untraveled, fondly turns to thee.

Goldsmith.

Fond"ness, n. 1. The quality or state of being fond; foolishness. [Obs.]

Fondness it were for any, being free, To covet fetters, though they golden be.

Spenser.

2. Doting affection; tender liking; strong appetite, propensity, or relish; as, he had a fondness for truffles.