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The Collaborative International Dictionary
What cheer

Cheer \Cheer\ (ch[=e]r), n. [OE. chere face, welcome, cheer, OF. chiere, F. ch[`e]re, fr. LL. cara face, Gr. ka`ra head; akin to Skr. [,c]iras, L. cerebrum brain, G. hirn, and E. cranium.]

  1. The face; the countenance or its expression. [Obs.] ``Sweat of thy cheer.''
    --Wyclif.

  2. Feeling; spirit; state of mind or heart.

    Be of good cheer.
    --Matt. ix. 2.

    The parents . . . fled away with heavy cheer.
    --Holland.

  3. Gayety; mirth; cheerfulness; animation.

    I have not that alacrity of spirit, Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have.
    --Shak.

    1. That which promotes good spirits or cheerfulness; provisions prepared for a feast; entertainment; as, a table loaded with good cheer.

    5. A shout, hurrah, or acclamation, expressing joy enthusiasm, applause, favor, etc.

    Welcome her, thundering cheer of the street.
    --Tennyson.

    What cheer? How do you fare? What is there that is cheering?

Gazetteer
What Cheer, IA -- U.S. city in Iowa
Population (2000): 678
Housing Units (2000): 345
Land area (2000): 1.211978 sq. miles (3.139008 sq. km)
Water area (2000): 0.017437 sq. miles (0.045162 sq. km)
Total area (2000): 1.229415 sq. miles (3.184170 sq. km)
FIPS code: 84900
Located within: Iowa (IA), FIPS 19
Location: 41.400603 N, 92.355119 W
ZIP Codes (1990): 50268
Note: some ZIP codes may be omitted esp. for suburbs.
Headwords:
What Cheer, IA
What Cheer

Usage examples of "what cheer".

The trouble was started by a sailor known as Kanaka Pete, who lived in the What Cheer House, over a woman known as Iodoform Kate.

He made his way along the train of boats to the Tartarus'* launch: 'What cheer, Tartaruses,' he said in a low voice.