1. Scarce; not plentiful.

2. Bearing a high price in comparison of the usual price; more costly than usual; of a higher price than the customary one. Wheat is dear at a dollar a bushel, when the usual price is seventy five cents. This is the effect of scarcity and demand.

3. Of a high value in estimation; greatly valued; beloved; precious.

And the last joy was dearer than the rest.

Be ye followers of God, as dear children. Ephesians 5:1.