DEARNESS

dearness. Dearness, n. fondness, a high price, cost, scarcity

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Dear″ness (?), n. 1. 1. The quality or state of being dear; costliness; excess of price.
The dearness of corn. Swift. 2. 2. Fondness; preciousness; love; tenderness.
The dearness of friendship. Bacon.