What is the origin of the phrase "terms of endearment"? I'm guessing a literary origin, but who knows?

I'm not familiar with the term in any context other than the name of the movie. It's from a McMurtry novel of the same name. I know you should never judge a book by its movie but the movie was bad enough, I'm not about to read the book to see if there's some hint there. Knock yourself out.

FWIW, The first hit in Google Book Search is a 1909 published thesis called "Latin Terms of Endearment and of Family Relationship". The first chapter is called "Terms of Endearment". I'm guessing it's been a popular topic heading in language books for quite some time.

Does it have one for Jackie?

Jackie is one.

Ack... But thanks, you-all.

hey nice lady Could you spare ten bucks for a cup of double decaf espresso latte with a shot of caramel syrup?

What?