Fondness, n.
1. The quality or state of being fond; foolishness. [Obs.] Fondness it were for any, being free, To covet fetters, though they golden be. Spenser.
2. Doting affection; tender liking; strong appetite, propensity, or relish; as, he had a fondness for truffles. My heart had still some foolish fondness for thee. Addison.
Syn.- Attachment; affection; love; kindness.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for fondness; he lists it under love.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.