fosterage

American  

[faw-ster-ij, fos-ter-] / ˈfɔ stər ɪdʒ, ˈfɒs tər- /

noun

1. the act of fostering or rearing another's child as one's own.

2. the condition of being a foster child.

3. an act of promoting or encouraging.

   The board will undertake the fosterage of our new project.

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fosterage British  

/ ˈfɒstərɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act of caring for or bringing up a foster child

2. the condition or state of being a foster child

3. the act of encouraging or promoting

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Etymology

Origin of fosterage

First recorded in 1605–15; foster + -age

Example Sentences

This conjecture is corroborated by the numerous instances in history and in story of fosterage affection proving, when tested, stronger than the natural affection of relatives by birth.

From The Glories of Ireland by Lennox, P. J.

John Loptson of Oddi, the grandson of Sæmund the Wise, took him into fosterage.

From The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson by Saemund Sigfusson

The Celtic custom of fosterage is overlooked, and Merlin gives the child to Anton, not as the customary dalt, but to preserve the babe from danger.

From Alfred Tennyson by Lang, Andrew

It tainted the blood of all who gave their children into fosterage with Irish women, and penalised the usage of Irish dress and customs.

From The Sunny Side of Ireland How to see it by the Great Southern and Western Railway by Praeger, Robert Lloyd

His son Brian had, in accordance with an old Irish custom, passed his boyhood in "fosterage" at the court of Callaghan, King of Cashel, in East Munster.

From Historic Boys Their Endeavours, Their Achievements, and Their Times by Brooks, Elbridge Streeter