lying-in

[lahy-ing-in]

noun

plural

lyings-in, lying-ins 

1. the state of being in childbed; confinement.

adjective

1. pertaining to or providing facilities for childbirth.

   a lying-in hospital.

lying-in

noun

1. 1. confinement in childbirth

   2. ( as modifier )

      a lying-in hospital

Word History and Origins

Origin of lying-in¹

First recorded in 1400–50, lying-in is from late Middle English lyynge in. See lie ², -ing ¹, in