showing or characterized by great gentleness and kindness

tender care

showing or characterized by warmth of feeling, love, or affection

a tender glance

said of a part of the body: sensitive or sore

young and vulnerable

at the tender age of nine

delicate or soft in quality or tone

demanding careful and sensitive handling; tricky

formal (+ of) adopting a protective or defensive attitude towards something

said of a ship: inclined to heel over easily under sail

a boat or ship that carries supplies, passengers, etc to and from other ships

a vehicle attached to a steam locomotive for carrying a supply of fuel and water

a road vehicle that carries tools, equipment, or personnel, esp for use in an emergency

somebody who is in charge of and tends something

to present (something) formally for acceptance

He tendered his resignation

to offer (money) in payment

(often + for) to present a bid in the hope of gaining a contract

a formal offer or bid

something that may be offered in payment; specif money

legal tender

in law, an unconditional offer of money or service towards paying off a debt or obligation, made to avoid a penalty for non-payment or non-performance