1. adj. (tenderer, tenderest)
1. easily cut or chewed, not tough (tender steak).
2 easily touched or wounded, susceptible to pain or grief (a tender heart; a tender conscience).
3 easily hurt, sensitive (tender skin; a tender place).
4 delicate, fragile (a tender reputation).
5 loving, affectionate, fond (tender parents; wrote tender verses).
6 requiring tact or careful handling, ticklish (a tender subject).
7 (of age) early, immature (of tender years).
8 (usu. foll. by of) solicitous, concerned (tender of his honour).
Phrases and idioms:
tender-eyed 1 having gentle eyes.
2 weak-eyed. tender-hearted having a tender heart, easily moved by pity etc. tender-heartedness being tender-hearted. tender mercies iron. attention or treatment which is not in the best interests of its recipient. tender spot a subject on which a person is touchy.
Derivatives:
tenderly adv. tenderness n.
Etymology: ME f. OF tendre f. L tener 2. v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. a offer, present (one's services, apologies, resignation, etc.). b offer (money etc.) as payment.
2 intr. (often foll. by for) make a tender for the supply of a thing or the execution of work.
--n. an offer, esp. an offer in writing to execute work or supply goods at a fixed price.
Phrases and idioms:
plea of tender Law a plea that the defendant has always been ready to satisfy the plaintiff's claim and now brings the sum into court. put out to tender seek tenders in respect of (work etc.).
Derivatives:
tenderer n.
Etymology: OF tendre: see TEND(1) 3. n.1 a person who looks after people or things.
2 a vessel attending a larger one to supply stores, convey passengers or orders, etc.
3 a special truck closely coupled to a steam locomotive to carry fuel, water, etc.
Etymology: ME f. TEND(2) or f. ATTENDER (as ATTEND)