fond

Etymology 1

From Middle English fond, fonned, past participle of fonnen (“to be foolish, be simple, dote”), equivalent to fon + -ed. More at fon.

adj

1. (chiefly with of) Having a liking or affection (for).
   I am fond of this song!
2. Affectionate.
   a fond farewell
   a fond mother or wife
3. Indulgent.
   I have fond grandparents who spoil me.
   “The story of this adoption is, of course, the pivot round which all the circumstances of the mysterious tragedy revolved. Mrs. Yule had an only son, namely, William, to whom she was passionately attached ; but, like many a fond mother, she had the desire of mapping out that son's future entirely according to her own ideas. […]” 1905, Baroness Emmuska Orczy, chapter 1, in The Tragedy in Dartmoor Terrace
4. Outlandish; foolish; silly.
   Your fond dreams of flying to Jupiter have been quashed by the facts of reality.
5. (obsolete) Foolish; simple; weak.
   But reason with your fond religion fights, For many gods are many infinites … 1669, John Dryden, Tyrannic Love, III.ii
   The foolish, fond Old Year, 1839, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Midnight Mass For the Dying Year
6. (obsolete) Doted on; regarded with affection.

verb

1. (obsolete) To have a foolish affection for, to be fond of.
2. (obsolete) To caress; to fondle.
   The Tyrian hugs and fonds thee on her breast.

Etymology 2

From French, ultimately from Latin fundus. Doublet of fund and fundus.

noun

1. The background design in lace-making.
2. (cooking) Brown residue in pans from cooking meats and vegetables.
   He used the fond to make a classic French pan sauce.
3. (information science) A group of records having shared provenance.
4. (obsolete) Foundation; bottom; groundwork.
5. (obsolete) Fund, stock, or store.