Definition of "fancy" in Anglais

noun

1. The imagination.

2. An image or representation of anything formed in the mind.

3. An opinion or notion formed without much reflection.

4. A whim.

   • I had a fancy to learn to play the flute.

5. Love or amorous attachment.

   • He took a fancy to her.

6. The object of inclination or liking.

7. Any sport or hobby pursued by a group.

   • Trainspotting is the fancy of a special lot.
   • the cat fancy

8. The enthusiasts of such a pursuit.

   • He fell out of favor with the boxing fancy after the incident.

9. A diamond with a distinctive colour.

10. That which pleases or entertains the taste or caprice without much use or value.

    • 18th century, John Mortimer, The Whole Art of Husbandry; or, The Way of Managing and Improving Land, cited in Samuel Johnson, A Dictionary of the English Language, 1755, London-pride is a pretty fancy, and does well for borders.

11. A bite-sized sponge cake, with a layer of cream, covered in icing.

    • a French fancy; a fondant fancy; cream fancies

12. (obsolete) A sort of love song or light impromptu ballad.

13. In the game of jacks, a style of play involving additional actions (contrasted with plainsies).

14. (obsolete, slang, in combination) A colored neckerchief worn at prizefights to show support for a contender.

    • the yellow fancy; the cream fancy; the blood-red fancy

adjective

1. Decorative, or featuring decorations, especially intricate or diverse ones.

   • This is a fancy shawl.

2. Of a superior grade.

   • This box contains bottles of the fancy grade of jelly.

3. Executed with skill.

   • He initiated the game-winning play with a fancy deked saucer pass to the winger.

4. (colloquial) Unnecessarily complicated.

   • I'm not keen on him and his fancy ideas.

5. (obsolete) Extravagant; above real value.

adverb

1. (nonstandard) In a fancy manner; fancily.

verb

1. (formal) To appreciate without jealousy or greed.