dilection
nounEtymology From Latin dilectio (“dilection”). See diligent.
1
Dated love; loving kindness
- 1554, Dr. Martin [ Stephen Gardiner? ], Treatise on the Marriage of Priestes These words mine, and thine, proceeded first of iniquitie, because men did not observe mutual and natural dilection.
- And this was the first testimony of the infinite dilection of God towards man.1586, John Harmar, transl., Master Bezaes sermons:
2 more examples
- A bone not far from his heart, to put him in mind of dilection and love to the woman.1614, John King, Vitis Palatina:
- So free is Christ's dilection, that the grand condition of our felicity is our belief.1648, Robert Boyle, Discourse on Seraphick Love, published 1660
2
Dated choice