1 adjective. (tenderer, tenderest) 1 easily cut or chewed, not tough (tender steak). 2 susceptible to pain or grief; vulnerable; compassionate (tender heart). 3 sensitive; fragile; delicate (tender skin; tender reputation). 4 loving, affectionate. 5 requiring tact (tender subject). 6 (of age) early, immature (of tender years). ? tenderly adverb. Tenderness none. [latin tener]
2 —verb. 1 offer, present (one`s services, resignation, money as payment, etc.). 2 (often foll. By for) offer a tender. —none. Offer, esp. In writing, to execute work or supply goods at a stated price. ? put out to tender seek competitive tenders for (work etc.). ? tenderer none. [french: related to *tend1]
3 none. 1 person who looks after people or things. 2 supply ship attending a larger one etc. 3 truck coupled to a steam locomotive to carry fuel and water. [from *tend2]