the fancy

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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. [1913 Webster]

In the soul Are many lesser faculties, that serve Reason as chief. Among these fancy next Her office holds.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

2.An image or representation of anything formed in the mind; conception; thought; idea; conceit. [1913 Webster]

How now, my lord ! why do you keep alone, Of sorriest fancies your companoins making ?— Shak.[1913 Webster]

3.An opinion or notion formed without much reflection; caprice; whim; impression. [1913 Webster]

I have always had a fancy that learning might be made a play and recreation to children.— Locke.[1913 Webster]

4.Inclination; liking, formed by caprice rather than reason; as, to strike one's fancy; hence, the object of inclination or liking. [1913 Webster]

To fit your fancies to your father's will.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

5.That which pleases or entertains the taste or caprice without much use or value. [1913 Webster]

London pride is a pretty fancy for borders.— Mortimer.[1913 Webster]

6.A sort of love song or light impromptu ballad. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

At a great book sale in London, which had congregated all the fancy.— De Quincey.

Syn: Imagination; conceit; taste; humor; inclination; whim; liking. See Imagination. [1913 Webster]