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wet nurse
1noun
- a woman hired to suckle another's infant.
wet-nurse
2[ wet-nurs ]
verb (used with object)
- to act as a wet nurse to (an infant).
- to give excessive care or attention to; treat as if helpless:
The warden is accused of wet-nursing his prisoners.
wet nurse
noun
- a woman hired to suckle the child of another
verb
- to act as a wet nurse to (a child)
- informal.to attend with great devotion
Word History and Origins
Origin of wet nurse1
Origin of wet nurse2
Example Sentences
The potential role of the wet-nurse, in this context, begins to take on different significance.
Oh, and just last week she played wet nurse to a hungry African baby—just because she could.
A wet-nurse would cost him six dollars a week; and, as to bringing up little Tommy by hand, city milk would soon finish him.
At the time of our visit the institution contained eighty foundlings; to each of those still in infancy was assigned a wet nurse.
If a wet-nurse is provided, she shall meet the approval of the physician.
But there are certain physical conditions which necessitate the employment of a hired wet-nurse, or weaning.
Therefore, if for any reason the mother cannot nurse her own child, a hired wet-nurse should be procured.
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