godson

American  

[god-suhn] / ˈgɒdˌsʌn /

noun

1. a male godchild.

---

godson British  

/ ˈɡɒdˌsʌn /

noun

1. a male godchild

---

Usage

What does godson mean? A godson is a boy who’s the godchild of one or more godparents—people who have pledged to help with his upbringing, especially in a religious way.In some denominations of Christianity, when a child is baptized, they are sponsored by (usually two) adults who pledge to help in this way. Those adults are the child’s godparents, and the child is their godchild.Godsons are often related to their godparents (a boy might be his aunt’s godson, for example), but they don’t need to be.Godparents also often pledge to become the godchild’s guardian if needed (in the event that the child’s parents die).These terms are all sometimes applied outside of a religious context—parents may choose close relatives or friends to act as godparents for their children without any religious aspect to the relationship.A godparent can still refer to their godchild with that term even after the child becomes an adult.Example: Some people are godparents in name only, but Kelly and Chris spend as much time as they can with their godson.

Etymology

Origin of godson

before 900; Middle English; Old English godsunu. god, son

Example Sentences

Mr. Lai is my Catholic godson, so I have a better idea than most about his wife and children.

From The Wall Street Journal

With his adult son Cody and godson, Daniel Davies, Carpenter is once again performing live concerts of his film scores and instrumental albums in a run at downtown’s Belasco this weekend and next.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think it’s just a little too emotional, you know, you got his son and then his godson on the other side,” Foster said with a laugh.

From Los Angeles Times

Juggling her baby godson on her knee - her extended family is all in the camp at the disused Rex Cinema - she gives the appearance of a much older woman.

From BBC

Jordan, 40, who was Mizell’s godson, has said through his lawyers that he was elsewhere when the shooting happened and has alibi witnesses.

From Seattle Times