motherling

English

Etymology

From mother +‎ -ling.

Noun

motherling (plural motherlings)

1. (diminutive, endearing) A mother, especially a precious one.
   • 1912, Flora Annie Webster Steel, King-errant:

     I will marry again, motherling! I will indeed; but this time let me choose for myself," he said consolingly as the fond woman clung to him in mingled joy at seeing him again, and grief at the failure of her schemes.

2. A woman's child.
   • 2012, Thomas R. Trautmann, Peter M. Whiteley, Crow-Omaha:

     First, to resolve gender ambiguity in links to collateral relatives, he introduced the symbols F (“fatherling”) and M (“motherling”) to refer to a “man's child” and a “woman's child,” respectively.

3. (derogatory) Mother.
   • 1908, Mary Mapes Dodge, St. Nicholas - Volume 35, Part 1 - Page 231:

     Dr. Howard shook his head doubtingly. "Motherling. please, motherling," coaxed Bab.