Obs. exc. as Fr. [F. tendresse, 14th c. in Godef., f. tendre, TENDER a.] = TENDERNESS.
1390. Gower, Conf., I. 195. For Moderhed and for tendresse.
1399. Rolls of Parlt., III. 451/2. To have rewarde to tendresse of her age.
a. 1766. Mrs. F. Sheridan, Sidney Bidulph, IV. 64. But have not you at the same time a small tendresse for her fortune?
1850. W. Irving in Life & Lett. (1864), IV. 76. The fair Truffi, for whom I still cherish a certain degree of tendresse.
1885. Athenæum, 17 Oct., 503/2. The … sister who conceals her tendresse for the hero in maidenly fashion.
