Definition of "tenderness" []

• A tendency to express warm, compassionate feelings (noun)
• Concern for the feelings or welfare of others (noun)
• Pain or discomfort when an affected area is touched (noun)

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• "Iago devotes himself to wronged Othello, and says, _Let him command whatever bloody business_, and in me it shall be an act, not of cruelty, but _of tenderness, to obey him_; not of malice to other, but of _tenderness_ for him."
• "I very well understand what you call tenderness, madam; but in some situations, pity -- pity -- is the greatest insult."
• "I never, my dear girl, knew happiness till now; my tenderness is absolutely a species of idolatry; you cannot think what a slave this lovely girl has made me."