/fond"nis/ , n.
1. the state or quality of being fond.
2. tenderness or affection.
3. doting affection.
4. a liking or weakness for something: He has a fondness for sweets.
5. Archaic. complacent credulity; foolishness.
[ 1350-1400; ME; see FOND 1 , -NESS ]
Syn. 4. predilection, partiality, preference.