dilection

plural dilections

1. datedlove; loving kindness

   1554, Dr. Martin [ Stephen Gardiner? ], Treatise on the Marriage of Priestes These words mine, and thine, proceeded first of iniquitie, because men did not observe mutual and natural dilection.

   3 more examples

   And this was the first testimony of the infinite dilection of God towards man.

   1586, John Harmar, transl., Master Bezaes sermons

   A bone not far from his heart, to put him in mind of dilection and love to the woman.

   1614, John King, Vitis Palatina

   So free is Christ's dilection, that the grand condition of our felicity is our belief.

   1648, Robert Boyle, Discourse on Seraphick Love, published 1660

2. datedchoice