Cher"ish (ch&ebreve;r"&ibreve;sh), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cherished (- &ibreve;sht); p. pr. & vb. n. Cherising.] [F. chérir, fr. cher dear, fr. L. carus. See Caress, Finish.] 1. To treat with tenderness and affection; to nurture with care; to protect and aid.

We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.
1 Thess. ii. 7.

2. To hold dear; to embrace with interest; to indulge; to encourage; to foster; to promote; as, to cherish religious principle.

To cherish virtue and humanity.
Burke.

Syn. -- To nourish; foster; nurse; nurture; entertain; encourage; comfort; protect; support; See Nurture.

• To treat with tenderness and affection; to nurture with care; to protect and aid.
  
• To hold dear; to embrace with interest; to indulge; to encourage; to foster; to promote; as, to cherish religious principle.