Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dearness \Dear"ness\, n.
   1. The quality or state of being dear; costliness; excess of
      price.

            The dearness of corn.                 --Swift.

   2. Fondness; preciousness; love; tenderness.

            The dearness of friendship.           --Bacon.

Source : WordNet®

dearness
     n : the quality possessed by something with a great price or
         value [syn: {costliness}]