Fear (fēr), n. A variant of Fere, a mate, a companion. [Obs.] Spenser.
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Fear, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Feared (fērd); p. pr. & vb. n. Fearing.] [OE. feren, faeren, to frighten, to be afraid, AS. f&aemacr_;ran to terrify. See Fear, n.] 1. To feel a painful apprehension of; to be afraid of; to consider or expect with emotion of alarm or solicitude.
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I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Ps. xxiii. 4.
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With subordinate clause.
I greatly fear my money is not safe. Shak.

I almost fear to quit your hand. D. Jerrold.
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2. To have a reverential awe of; to be solicitous to avoid the displeasure of.
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Leave them to God above; him serve and fear. Milton.
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3. To be anxious or solicitous for; now replaced by fear for. [R.]
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The sins of the father are to be laid upon the children, therefore . . . I fear you. Shak.
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4. To suspect; to doubt. [Obs.]
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Ay what else, fear you not her courage? Shak.
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5. To affright; to terrify; to drive away or prevent approach of by fear. [Obs.]
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Fear their people from doing evil. Robynson (More's Utopia).
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Tush, tush! fear boys with bugs. Shak.

Syn. -- To apprehend; dread; reverence; venerate.
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