Question

solicitude — But as for Gretta there, said Gabriel, she'd walk home in the snow if she were let....— ...O, but you'll never guess what he makes me wear now!She broke out into a peal of laughter and glanced at her husband...The two aunts laughed heartily too, for Gabriel's solicitude was a standing joke with them.

Accepted Answer

n. Care or concern for someone or something (esp. excessive). Dubliners, "The Dead", p. 205

Word	solicitude
Definition	n. Care or concern for someone or something (esp. excessive).
Sentence	— But as for Gretta there, said Gabriel, she'd walk home in the snow if she were let.... — ...O, but you'll never guess what he makes me wear now! She broke out into a peal of laughter and glanced at her husband...The two aunts laughed heartily too, for Gabriel's solicitude was a standing joke with them.
Source	Dubliners, "The Dead", p. 205

Solicitude N Care Concern Esp Excessive Gretta Gabriel