Noah Webster
Dear
DEAR, adjective
1. Scarce; not plentiful.
2. Bearing a high price in comparison of the usual price; more costly than usual; of a higher price than the customary one. Wheat is dear at a dollar a bushel, when the usual price is seventy five cents. This is the effect of scarcity and demand.
3. Of a high value in estimation; greatly valued; beloved; precious.
And the last joy was dearer than the rest.
Be ye followers of God, as dear children. Ephesians 5:1.
DEAR, adjective Hurtful; grievous; hateful.
DEAR, verb transitive To make dear
DEAR, noun A darling; a word denoting tender affection or endearment; as, my dear