deary

or dear·ie

[ deer-ee ]

noun

, Informal: Sometimes Facetious.

, plural dear·ies.

1. darling.

deary

/ ˈdɪərɪ /

noun

1. informal.
   dearies a term of affection: now often sarcastic or facetious
2. deary me! or dearie me!
   an exclamation of surprise or dismay

Word History and Origins

Origin of deary¹

First recorded in 1675–85; dear ¹ + -y ²

Example Sentences

Twas he, a tender deary, that made Anthony marry me, and thereby turned hisself from a little calamity to a little blessing!

From Project Gutenberg

But don't you fret about Bambo, deary; he'll soon be all right, never fear, once you and missy are safe at home.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasionally a proud son of Lenox borrowed the coat of an officer to appear smart in the picture he was to send to his deary.

From Project Gutenberg

"Yes, my deary; he did come at last," she said, in a voice full of a satisfaction that was almost solemn in its intensity.

From Project Gutenberg

She understood, and said: 'Deary, that ole bull has to be helped to his stall every night after a day in the pastoor.

From Project Gutenberg