cherish

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 ]