Love /(lŭv)/

1. A feeling of strong attachment induced by that which delights or commands admiration; preëminent kindness or devotion to another; affection; tenderness; as, the love of brothers and sisters.

   Of all the dearest bonds we prove Thou countest sons' and mothers' love Most sacred, most Thine own.

2. Especially, devoted attachment to, or tender or passionate affection for, one of the opposite sex.

   He on his side Leaning half-raised, with looks of cordial love Hung over her enamored.

3. Courtship; -- chiefly in the phrase to make love, i. e., to court, to woo, to solicit union in marriage.

   Demetrius . . . Made love to Nedar's daughter, Helena, And won her soul.

4. Affection; kind feeling; friendship; strong liking or desire; fondness; good will; -- opposed to hate; often with of and an object.

   Love, and health to all.

   Smit with the love of sacred song.

   The love of science faintly warmed his breast.

5. Due gratitude and reverence to God.

   Keep yourselves in the love of God.

6. The object of affection; -- often employed in endearing address; as, he held his love in his arms; his greatest love was reading.

   Open the temple gates unto my love.

7. Cupid, the god of love; sometimes, Venus.

   Such was his form as painters, when they show Their utmost art, on naked Lores bestow.

   Therefore do nimble-pinioned doves draw Love.

8. A thin silk stuff. [Obs.]
9. A climbing species of Clematis (Clematis Vitalba). (Bot.)
10. Nothing; no points scored on one side; -- used in counting score at tennis, etc.

    He won the match by three sets to love.

11. Sexual intercourse; -- a euphemism.

    A little western flower, Before milk-white, now purple with love's wound; And maidens call it love-in-idleness.

imp. & p. p. Loved; p. pr. & vb. n. Loving

1. To have a feeling of love for; to regard with affection or good will; as, to love one's children and friends; to love one's country; to love one's God.

   Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

   Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self.

2. To regard with passionate and devoted affection, as that of one sex for the other.
3. To take delight or pleasure in; to have a strong liking or desire for, or interest in; to be pleased with; to like; as, to love books; to love adventures.

   Wit, eloquence, and poetry. Arts which I loved.

1. To have the feeling of love; to be in love.