Fond, a. [Compar. Fonder; superl. Fondest.]
Etymology: [For fonned, p. p. of OE. fonnen to be foolish. See Fon.]
1. Foolish; silly; simple; weak. [Archaic] Grant I may never prove so fond To trust man on his oath or bond. Shak.
2. Foolishly tender and loving; weakly indulgent; over-affectionate.
3. Affectionate; loving; tender; -- in a good sense; as, a fond mother or wife. Addison.
4. Loving; much pleased; affectionately regardful, indulgent, or desirous; longing or yearning; -- followed by of (formerly also by on). More fond on her than she upon her love. Shak. You are as fond of grief as of your child. Shak. A great traveler, and fond of telling his adventures. Irving.
2 more senses
5. Doted on; regarded with affection. [R.] Nor fix on fond abodes to circumscribe thy prayer. Byron.
6. Trifling; valued by folly; trivial. [Obs.] Shak.
3 other Webster entries under this spelling
Fond, obs.
imp. of Find. Found. Chaucer.
Fond, v. t.
To caress; to fondle. [Obs.] The Tyrian hugs and fonds thee on her breast. Dryden.
Fond, v. i.
To be fond; to dote. [Obs.] Shak.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for fond; he lists it under friendly.
Where he writes about it:
Fond is commonly applied to an affection that becomes, or at least appears, excessive. — from friendly