Plural of 'beloved,' meaning multiple people who are deeply loved or cherished by someone.
From Middle English 'beloved,' the past participle of 'beloven' (to love), with the modern suffix '-s' for pluralization.
The word 'beloved' appears more in older literature and formal contexts, but it's still used in religious settings—you'll hear 'Dearly beloved' at weddings, maintaining a connection to Middle English traditions.
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