—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.
Phrases and idioms:
father-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.
Derivatives:
fatherhood n. fatherless adj. fatherlessness n. fatherlike adj. & adv. fathership n.
Etymology: OE faeligder with many Gmc cognates: rel. to L pater, Gk pater
Useful english dictionary. 2012.