Es*teem" (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Esteemed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Esteeming.] [F. estimer, L. aestimare,
aestumare, to value, estimate; perh. akin to Skr. ish
to seek, strive, and E. ask. Cf. Aim,
Estimate.] 1. To set a value on; to
appreciate the worth of; to estimate; to value; to reckon.
Then he forsook God, which made him, and lightly
esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
Deut.
xxxii. 15.
Thou shouldst (gentle reader) esteem his
censure and authority to be of the more weighty
credence.
Bp. Gardiner.
Famous men, -- whose scientific attainments were
esteemed hardly less than supernatural.
Hawthorne.
2. To set a high value on; to prize; to
regard with reverence, respect, or friendship.
Will he esteem thy riches?
Job
xxxvi. 19.
You talk kindlier: we esteem you for
it.
Tennyson.
Syn. -- To estimate; appreciate; regard; prize; value;
respect; revere. See Appreciate, Estimate.
Es*teem", v. i. To form an
estimate; to have regard to the value; to consider. [Obs.]
We ourselves esteem not of that obedience, or
love, or gift, which is of force.
Milton.
Es*teem", n. [Cf. F. estime. See
Esteem, v. t.] 1.
Estimation; opinion of merit or value; hence, valuation;
reckoning; price.
Most dear in the esteem
And poor in worth!
Shak.
I will deliver you, in ready coin,
The full and dear'st esteem of what you crave.
J. Webster.
2. High estimation or value; great regard;
favorable opinion, founded on supposed worth.
Nor should thy prowess want praise and
esteem.
Shak.
Syn. -- See Estimate, n.