n. & v.
--n.
1. a precious metals or gems. b a hoard of these. c accumulated wealth.
2 a thing valued for its rarity, workmanship, associations, etc. (art treasures).
3 colloq. a much loved or highly valued person.
--v.tr.
1. (often foll. by up) store up as valuable.
2 value (esp. a long-kept possession) highly.
Phrases and idioms:
treasure hunt
1. a search for treasure.
2 a game in which players seek a hidden object from a series of clues. treasure trove Law treasure of unknown ownership found hidden.
Etymology: ME f. OF tresor, ult. f. Gk thesauros: see THESAURUS