‖ ˈlief-hebber Obs. rare.
[a. Du. liefhebber, agent-n. f. liefhebben to hold dear, f. lief dear + hebben to have.]
An amateur.
| 1654 Bramhall Answ. to Militiere 134 Put a Liefhebber, or Virtuoso, among a company of rare pictures, and he will pick out the best pieces for their proper value. 1656 Blount Glossogr., Liefhebber, a lover. [Citing Bramhall. Hence prob. the misuse in the next quot.] 1791 J. Learmont Poems 13 Her fause lief hebber owre the ling Did wale his nichtly way. |