"Father" Definition

Definitions for the word "Father" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
One who has begotten a child, whether son or daughter; a generator; a male parent.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
A male ancestor more remote than a parent; a progenitor; especially, a first ancestor; a founder of a race or family; -- in the plural, fathers, ancestors.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
One who performs the offices of a parent by maintenance, affetionate care, counsel, or protection.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
A respectful mode of address to an old man.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
A senator of ancient Rome.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
A dignitary of the church, a superior of a convent, a confessor (called also father confessor), or a priest; also, the eldest member of a profession, or of a legislative assembly, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
One of the chief esslesiastical authorities of the first centuries after Christ; -- often spoken of collectively as the Fathers; as, the Latin, Greek, or apostolic Fathers.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
One who, or that which, gives origin; an originator; a producer, author, or contriver; the first to practice any art, profession, or occupation; a distinguished example or teacher.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
The Supreme Being and Creator; God; in theology, the first person in the Trinity.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. t.
To make one's self the father of; to beget.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. t.
To take as one's own child; to adopt; hence, to assume as one's own work; to acknowledge one's self author of or responsible for (a statement, policy, etc.).
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. t.
To provide with a father.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
1 male parent. 2 (usu. In pl.) Forefather. 3 originator, early leader. 4 (fathers or fathers of the church) early christian theologians. 5 (also father) (often as a title or form of address) priest. 6 (the father) (in christian belief) first person of the trinity. 7 (father) venerable person, esp. As a title in personifications (father time). 8 (usu. In pl.) Elders (city fathers). v. 1 beget. 2 originate (a scheme etc.). fatherhood n. Fatherless adj. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
14. slang
or FENCE, a buyer of stolen property.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "Father" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "Father" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "Father") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.

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