Che*mung" pe"ri*od (?), (Geol.) A subdivision in the upper part of the Devonian system in America, so named from the Chemung River, along which the rocks are well developed. It includes the Portage and Chemung groups or epochs. See the Diagram under Geology.
||Cheng (?), n. [Chinese.] A chinese reed instrument, with tubes, blown by the mouth.
Che*nille" (sh&esl;*nēl"), n. [F., prop., a caterpillar.] Tufted cord, of silk or worsted, for the trimming of ladies' dresses, for embroidery and fringes, and for the weft of Chenille rugs.
||Che`no*mor"phŠ (?), n. pl. [NL., from Gr. &?; the wild goose + &?; form.] (Zo÷l.) An order of birds, including the swans, ducks, geese, flamingoes and screamers.
Chep"ster (ch&ebreve;p"st&etilde;r), n. (Zo÷l.) The European starling. [Local, Eng.]
Cheque (ch&ebreve;k), n. See Check.
Cheq"uer (ch&ebreve;k"&etilde;r), n. & v. Same as Checker.
Che*quin" (ch&esl;*kēn"), n. A coin. See Sequin. Shak.
Cheq"uy (?), n. (Her.) Same as Checky.
Cher"if (sh&ebreve;r"&ibreve;f), n. See Sherif.
Cher`i*moy"er (?), n. [F. chÚrimolier.] (Bot.) 1. A small downy-leaved tree (Anona Cherimolia), with fragrant flowers. It is a native of Peru.
2. Its delicious fruit, which is succulent, dark purple, and similar to the custard apple of the West Indies.
Cher"ish (ch&ebreve;r"&ibreve;sh), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cherished (- &ibreve;sht); p. pr. & vb. n. Cherising.] [F. chÚrir, fr. cher dear, fr. L. carus. See Caress, Finish.] 1. To treat with tenderness and affection; to nurture with care; to protect and aid.
We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.
1 Thess. ii. 7.
2. To hold dear; to embrace with interest; to indulge; to encourage; to foster; to promote; as, to cherish religious principle.
To cherish virtue and humanity.
Burke.
Syn. -- To nourish; foster; nurse; nurture; entertain; encourage; comfort; protect; support; See Nurture.
Cher"ish*er (ch&ebreve;r"&ibreve;sh*&etilde;r), n. One who cherishes.
The cherisher of my flesh and blood.
Shak.