(idiomatic) Loved or cared about greatly.

(dated) Used as the salutation at the beginning of a formal letter when addressing persons – assumed to be male – of unknown names.

An expression of dismay, concern, worry or disapproval.

(Ireland, dated) God knows; nobody knows / (Ireland, dated) God knows; of course, certainly, nobody could doubt

Term of affection; sweetheart.

plural of dear heart

An advice column written under the pen name Abigail Van Buren. / The columnist.

plural of Dear John letter

(informal) Term of address for a male friend. / (informal) Used to express sympathy to a man.

A letter from a wife or girlfriend to her husband or boyfriend, informing that the relationship is over. Usually precipitated by the writer's having met a third party.