Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—F

Fancy

Love —i.e. the passion of the fantasy or imagination. A fancyman is a man (not your husband) whom you fancy or select for chaperon.

Tell me where is fancy bred,
Or in the heart or in the head.

Shakespeare: Merchant of Venice, iii. 2.

The fancy.
Pugilists. So called because boxing is the chief of sports, and fancy means sports, pets, or fancies. Hence “dog-fanciers,” “pigeon-fanciers,” etc.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Fancy-free
Fanatic
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