[dear] adj [ME dere, fr. OE deor] (bef. 12c): severe, sore "in our ~ peril --Shak."
[2]dear adj [ME dere, fr. OE deore; akin to OHG tiuri distinguished, costly] (bef. 12c) 1 obs: noble
2: highly valued: precious "a ~ friend"--often used in a salutation "~ Sir"
3: affectionate, fond
4: high or exorbitant in price: expensive "eggs are very ~ just now"
5: heartfelt -- dear adv -- dear.ly adv -- dear.ness n [3]dear n (13c) 1: a loved one: sweetheart
2: a lovable person [4]dear interj (1694)--used esp. to express annoyance or dismay