Cher"ish (ch&ebreve;r"&ibreve;sh),
v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cherished (- &ibreve;sht); 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.
We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.
1 Thess. ii.
7.
2. To
hold dear; to embrace with interest; to indulge; to encourage; to foster; to
promote; as, to cherish religious principle.
To cherish virtue and humanity.
Burke.
Syn. -- To nourish; foster; nurse; nurture; entertain; encourage; comfort; protect; support; See Nurture.
Hear it pronounced