-cher-

n. [ F. chérimolier. ] (Bot.) 1. A small downy-leaved tree (Anona Cherimolia), with fragrant flowers. It is a native of Peru. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Its delicious fruit, which is succulent, dark purple, and similar to the custard apple of the West Indies. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Cherished p. pr. & vb. n. Cherising. ] [ F. chérir, fr. cher dear, fr. L. carus. See Caress, Finish. ] 1. To treat with tenderness and affection; to nurture with care; to protect and aid. [ 1913 Webster ]

We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children. 1 Thess. ii. 7. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To hold dear; to embrace with interest; to indulge; to encourage; to foster; to promote; as, to cherish religious principle. [ 1913 Webster ]

To cherish virtue and humanity. Burke.

Syn. -- To nourish; foster; nurse; nurture; entertain; encourage; comfort; protect; support; See Nurture. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. deeply loved or valued.
Syn. -- precious, treasured, wanted. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. One who cherishes. [ 1913 Webster ]

The cherisher of my flesh and blood. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Encouragement; comfort. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Rich bounty and dear cherishment. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. See Kermes. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. choerogryllus, Gr. &unr_;; &unr_; a young swine + &unr_; a pig. ] (Zool.) See Cony. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. pl.; sing. Cherokee. (Ethnol.) An Appalachian tribe of Indians, formerly inhabiting the region about the head waters of the Tennessee River. They are now mostly settled in the Indian Territory, and have become one of the most civilized of the Indian Tribes. [ 1913 Webster ]