Obs. rare. [a. Du. liefhebber, agent-n. f. liefhebben to hold dear, f. lief dear + hebben to have.] An amateur.
1654. Bramhall, Answ. to Militiere, 134. Put a Liefhebber, or Virtuoso, among a company of rare pictures, and he will pick out the best pieces for their proper value.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., Liefhebber, a lover. [Citing Bramhall. Hence prob. the misuse in the next quot.]
1791. Learmont, Poems, 13. Her fause lief hebber owre the ling Did wale his nichtly way.
