Fan·cy n.; pl. Fancies
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.
In the soul
Are many lesser faculties, that serve
Reason as chief. Among these fancy next
Her office holds. --Milton.
2. An image or representation of anything formed in the mind; conception; thought; idea; conceit.
How now, my lord ! why do you keep alone,
Of sorriest fancies your companoins making ? --Shak.
3. An opinion or notion formed without much reflection; caprice; whim; impression.
I have always had a fancy that learning might be made a play and recreation to children. --Locke.
4. Inclination; liking, formed by caprice rather than reason; as, to strike one's fancy; hence, the object of inclination or liking.
To fit your fancies to your father's will. --Shak.
5. That which pleases or entertains the taste or caprice without much use or value.
London pride is a pretty fancy for borders. --Mortimer.
6. A sort of love song or light impromptu ballad. [Obs.]
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.
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.