[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

fancy \fan"cy\ fa^n"sy^, n.; pl. fancies. contr. fr.
   fantasy, of. fantasie, fantaisie, f. fantaisie, l. phantasia,
   fr. gr. ???????? appearance, imagination, the power of
   perception and presentation in the mind, fr. ???????? to make
   visible, to place before one's mind, fr. ??????? to show;
   akin to ????, ???, light, skr. bh=ato shine. cf. fantasy,
   fantasia, epiphany, phantom.
   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.
      1913 webster

            in the soul
            are many lesser faculties, that serve
            reason as chief. among these fancy next
            her office holds.                     --milton.
      1913 webster

   2. an image or representation of anything formed in the mind;
      conception; thought; idea; conceit.
      1913 webster

            how now, my lord  why do you keep alone,
            of sorriest fancies your companoins making ? --shak.
      1913 webster

   3. an opinion or notion formed without much reflection;
      caprice; whim; impression.
      1913 webster

            i have always had a fancy that learning might be
            made a play and recreation to children. --locke.
      1913 webster

   4. inclination; liking, formed by caprice rather than reason;
      as, to strike one's fancy; hence, the object of
      inclination or liking.
      1913 webster

            to fit your fancies to your father's will. --shak.
      1913 webster

   5. that which pleases or entertains the taste or caprice
      without much use or value.
      1913 webster

            london pride is a pretty fancy for borders.
                                                  --mortimer.
      1913 webster

   6. a sort of love song or light impromptu ballad. obs.
      --shak.
      1913 webster

   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.
      1913 webster

            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.
        1913 webster
see also:
fancies fantasy fantasia epiphany phantom the fancy 
imagination 

Fancy >> F Words
Fancy, definition of term: Fancy
fancy_pag1.html

Fancy Man >> F Words
Fancy Man, definition of term: Fancy Man
fancy+man_pag1.html

Fancy Ball >> F Words
Fancy Ball, definition of term: Fancy Ball
fancy+ball_pag1.html

Fancy Dress >> F Words
Fancy Dress, definition of term: Fancy Dress
fancy+dress_pag1.html