Dictionary![]() ![]() fan•cyPronunciation: (fan'sē), [key] —n., pl. -cies, —adj., -ci•er, -ci•est, —v., -cied, -cy•ing, —interj. —n. 1. imagination or fantasy, esp. as exercised in a capricious manner. 2. the artistic ability of creating unreal or whimsical imagery, decorative detail, etc., as in poetry or drawing. 3. a mental image or conception: He had happy fancies of being a famous actor. 4. an idea or opinion with little foundation; illusion: Her belief that she can sing is a mere fancy. 5. a caprice; whim; vagary: It was his fancy to fly to Paris occasionally for dinner. 6. capricious preference; inclination; a liking: to take a fancy to walking barefoot in the streets. 7. critical judgment; taste. 8. the breeding of animals to develop points of beauty or excellence. 9. love. 10. the fancy, Archaic.people deeply interested in a sport, art, etc. —adj. 1. made, designed, grown, adapted, etc., to please the taste or fancy; of superfine quality or exceptional appeal: fancy goods; fancy fruits. 2. ornamental; decorative; not plain: a cake with a fancy icing. 3. depending on imagination or caprice; whimsical; irregular: a fancy conception of time. 4. bred to develop points of beauty or excellence, as an animal. 5. much too costly; exorbitant or extravagant: a consultant who charges fancy fees. —v.t. 1. to form a conception of; picture to oneself: Fancy living with that egotist all your life! 2. to believe without being absolutely sure or certain: I fancy you are my new neighbor. 3. to take a liking to; like. 4. to breed to develop a special type of animal. 5. fancy up, to make superficially showy by way of improvement: an old car fancied up with a bright new paint job. —interj. (used as an exclamation of mild surprise): They invited you, too? Fancy! Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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