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

Keith Figes was a "housefather" at Berrow Wood School in Worcestershire and supposed to look after children with behavioural difficulties.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2023

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 • Sep. 28, 2021

A staff member notifies Dasani’s housefather, Jason McQuiddy, who walks up the hill to where the bus is parked.

From New York Times • Sep. 28, 2021

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 • Nov. 14, 2012

"Go only to Father Balthazar, housefather, and see if he doth not call it a sending of a lamb among wolves."

From The Dove in the Eagle's Nest by Yonge, Charlotte Mary