dilection

English

Etymology

From Latin dilectio (“dilection”). See diligent.

Noun

dilection (plural dilections)

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.

   • 1586, John Harmar, transl., Master Bezaes sermons:

     And this was the first testimony of the infinite dilection of God towards man.

   • 1614, John King, Vitis Palatina:

     A bone not far from his heart, to put him in mind of dilection and love to the woman.

   • 1648, Robert Boyle, Discourse on Seraphick Love, published 1660

     So free is Christ's dilection, that the grand condition of our felicity is our belief.

2. (dated) choice

Anagrams

• centiloid

French

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /di.lɛk.sjɔ̃/

• Audio:

  (file)

Noun

dilection f (plural dilections)

1. pious love; dilection (love)

Further reading

• “dilection”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012.