housefather

American  

[hous-fah-ther] / ˈhaʊsˌfɑ ðər /

noun

1. a man responsible for a group of young people, as students, living in a dormitory, hostel, etc.

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housefather British  

/ ˈhaʊsˌfɑːðə /

noun

1. a man in charge of the welfare of a particular group of children in an institution such as a children's home or approved school

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Other Word Forms

• housemother noun

Etymology

Origin of housefather

1545–55; house + father; compare Latin paterfamilias

Example Sentences

She explains that she had asked permission to call a few days ago, but her housefather reminded her of the transition schedule, which allows for one weekly call.

From New York Times

Paul Diment, is a housefather at the school, in charge of one of the houses which are designed to feel more like home than school.

From BBC

Blood relationship, family, and the rulership of the housefather are in this early period the base and centre of social order.

From Project Gutenberg

“Nothing warm in the house,” said the housefather, a carpenter himself. 

From Project Gutenberg

Every housefather is a priest in his own house, every housemother is a priestess; therefore see that you help us to perform the office of the ministry in your homes as we do in church.

From Project Gutenberg