Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CHER'ISH, v.t. [Fr. cherir; Arm. cheriçza; from Fr. cher, dear; W. cir, bounty; ciriaw, to pity, to cherish. See Caress.]

1. To treat with tenderness and affection; to give warmth, ease or comfort to. We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children. – 1 Thess. ii. The damsel was fair and cherished the king. – 1 Kings i.
2. To hold as dear; to embrace with affection; to foster, and encourage; as, to cherish the principles of virtue; to cherish religion in the heart.
3. To treat in a manner to encourage growth, by protection, aid, attendance, or supplying nourishment; as, to cherish tender plants.
4. To harbor; to indulge and encourage in the mind; as, to cherish ill will, or any evil passion.