Noah Webster
Cherish
CHERISH, noun The prince of Mecca; a high priest among the Mohammedans.
CHERISH, verb transitive
1. To treat with tenderness and affection; to give warmth, ease or comfort to.
We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children. 1 Thessalonians 2:7.
The damsel was fair and cherished the king. 1 Kings 1:2.
2. To hold as dear; to embrace with affection; to foster, and encourage; as, to cherish the principles of virtue; to cherish religion in the heart.
3. To treat in a manner to encourage growth, by protection, aid, attendance, or supplying nourishment; as, to cherish tender plants.
4. To harbor; to indulge and encourage in the mind; as, to cherish ill will, or any evil passion.