Definition of "fond" []

• Having a strong liking, inclination, or affection: fond of ballet; fond of my nieces and nephews. (adjective)
• Affectionate; tender: a fond embrace. (adjective)
• Immoderately affectionate or indulgent; doting: fond grandparents who tended to spoil the child. (adjective)
• Cherished; dear: my fondest hopes. (adjective)
• Archaic Naively credulous or foolish. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Alas, I have no dowry to give you, save the blessing of your dear old -- your dear fond, _fond_ father, _ (kisses her forehead) _ But only obey me in this, and Lady Fortune will smile on us all -- smile -- _smile_."
• "While I have no doubt that _au fond ... au fond_ he is a charming boy, quite charming, at present he is -- shall I say?"
• "V. ii.199 (334,4) a kind of yesty collection, which carries them through and through the most fond and winnowed opinions] [W: most fann'd] This is a very happy emendation; but I know not why the critic should suppose that _fond_ was printed for _fann'd_ in consequence of any reason or reflection."