n.
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English dere, from Old English d ē ore; akin to Old High German tiuri distinguished, costly
Date: before 12th century
1 obsolete : NOBLE
2 : highly valued : PRECIOUS <a dear friend> ― often used in a salutation < dear Sir>
3 : AFFECTIONATE , FOND
4 : high or exorbitant in price : EXPENSIVE <eggs are very dear just now>
5 : HEARTFELT <our dear est prayers>
– dear · ness noun