Fancy — Defs

01 n. The faculty by which the mind forms an image or a representation of anything perceived before; the power of combining and modifying such ob…

pl. Fancies ((#))

1.
The faculty by which the mind forms an image or a representation of anything perceived before; the power of combining and modifying such objects into new pictures or images; the power of readily and happily creating and recalling such objects for the purpose of amusement, wit, or embellishment; imagination.
“In the soul Are many lesser faculties, that serve Reason as chief. Among these fancy next Her office holds.” — Milton.
2.
An image or representation of anything formed in the mind; conception; thought; idea; conceit.
“How now, my lord ! why do you keep alone, Of sorriest fancies your companoins making ?” — Shak.
3.
An opinion or notion formed without much reflection; caprice; whim; impression.
“I have always had a fancy that learning might be made a play and recreation to children.” — Locke.
4.
Inclination; liking, formed by caprice rather than reason; as, to strike one's fancy; hence, the object of inclination or liking.
“To fit your fancies to your father's will.” — Shak.
5.
That which pleases or entertains the taste or caprice without much use or value.
“London pride is a pretty fancy for borders.” — Mortimer.
6.
A sort of love song or light impromptu ballad.[Obs.]
“At a great book sale in London, which had congregated all the fancy.” — De Quincey.

Phrases & compounds

The fancy — all of a class who exhibit and cultivate any peculiar taste or fancy; hence, especially, sporting characters taken collectively, or any specific class of them, as jockeys, gamblers, prize fighters, etc.

Syn. Imagination; conceit; taste; humor; inclination; whim; liking. See Imagination.

02 v. i. To figure to one's self; to believe or imagine something without proof.

imp. & p. p. Fancied; p. pr. & vb. n. Fancying

1.
To figure to one's self; to believe or imagine something without proof.
“If our search has reached no farther than simile and metaphor, we rather fancy than know.” — Locke.
2.
To love.[Obs.]

03 v. t. To form a conception of; to portray in the mind; to imagine.

1.
To form a conception of; to portray in the mind; to imagine.
“He whom I fancy, but can ne'er express.” — Dryden.
2.
To have a fancy for; to like; to be pleased with, particularly on account of external appearance or manners.
3.
To believe without sufficient evidence; to imagine (something which is unreal).
“He fancied he was welcome, because those arounde him were his kinsmen.” — Thackeray.

04 a. Adapted to please the fancy or taste, especially when of high quality or unusually appealing; ornamental; as, fancy goods; fancy clothes.

1.
Adapted to please the fancy or taste, especially when of high quality or unusually appealing; ornamental; as, fancy goods; fancy clothes.
2.
Extravagant; above real value.
“This anxiety never degenerated into a monomania, like that which led his [Frederick the Great's] father to pay fancy prices for giants.” — Macaulay.

Phrases & compounds

Fancy ball — a ball in which porsons appear in fanciful dresses in imitation of the costumes of different persons and nations.

Fancy fair — a fair at which articles of fancy and ornament are sold, generally for some charitable purpose.

Fancy goods — fabrics of various colors, patterns, etc., as ribbons, silks, laces, etc., in distinction from those of a simple or plain color or make.

Fancy line — a line rove through a block at the jaws of a gaff; -- used to haul it down.

Fancy roller — a clothed cylinder (usually having straight teeth) in front of the doffer.

Fancy stocks — a species of stocks which afford great opportunity for stock gambling, since they have no intrinsic value, and the fluctuations in their prices are artificial.

Fancy store — one where articles of fancy and ornament are sold.

Fancy woods — the more rare and expensive furniture woods, as mahogany, satinwood, rosewood, etc.