What is the old English word for dear?

The Old English word for "dear" is "lēof" (pronounced roughly "lay-ov").

It's interesting to note that "lēof" has a broader meaning than just "dear" in modern English. It could also mean "loved," "beloved," "pleasant," or even "kind."

Here are some examples of its use:

* "Min lēof" - "My dear" or "My beloved"

* "Hē is lēof" - "He is kind" or "He is pleasant"

While "lēof" is not commonly used in modern English, it's a beautiful example of how the language has evolved over time.