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.