ˈfɑ:ðə n. & v. --n. 1 a a
man in
relation to a
child or
children born from his fertilization of an
ovum. b (in full
adoptive father) a man
who has continuous care of a child,
esp. by adoption. 2
any male animal in relation to
its offspring. 3 (usu. in pl.) a
progenitor or
forefather. 4 an originator,
designer, or
early leader. 5 a
person who deserves
special respect (the father of his country). 6 (Fathers or Fathers of
the Church) early
Christian theologians
whose writings are regarded as
especially authoritative. 7 (also Father) a (often as a
title or
form of address) a
priest, esp. of a
religious order. b a religious leader. 8 (the Father) (in Christian belief) the
first person of the
Trinity. 9 (Father) a
venerable person, esp. as a title in personifications (Father Time). 10 the oldest
member or
doyen (Father of the House). 11 (usu. in pl.) the leading
men or elders in a
city or
State (city fathers). --v.tr. 1
beget; be the father
of. 2
behave as a father
towards. 3
originate (a
scheme etc.). 4
appear as or
admit that one is the father or originator of. 5 (foll. by on)
assign the
paternity of (a child, book) to a person. øfather-figure an older man who is respected like a father; a trusted leader. father-in-law (pl. fathers-in-law) the father of one's
husband or
wife. father of
chapel see CHAPEL. Father's
Day a day (usu. the
third Sunday in June) established
for a special
tribute to fathers. Father
Time see TIME. øøfatherhood n. fatherless adj. fatherlessness n. fatherlike adj. & adv. fathership n. [OE fóder
with many Gmc cognates: rel. to L
pater, Gk pater]
