FAN'CY, n. [contracted from fantasy, L. phantasia. Gr. from to cause to appear, to seem, to imagine, from to show, to appear, to shine. The primary sense seems to be to open, or to shoot forth.] 1. The faculty by which the mind forms images or representations of things at pleasure. It is often used as synonymous with imagination; but imagination is rather the power of combining and modifying our conceptions.2. An opinion or notion.I have always had a fancy, that learning might be made a play and recreation to children.3. Taste; conception.The little chapel called the salutation in very neat, and built with a pretty fancy.4. Image; conception; thought.How now, my lord, why do you keep alone; Of sorriest fancies your companions making?5. Inclination; liking. Take that which suits your fancy. How does this strike your fancy?His fancy lay to traveling.6. Love.Tell me where is fancy bred.7. Caprice; humor; whim; as an odd or strange fancy.True worth shall gain me, that it may be said,Desert, not fancy, once a woman led.8. False notion.9. Something that pleases or entertains without real use or value.London-pride is a pretty fancy for borders.
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