orphanotrophy

English

Etymology

From Latin orphanō̆trophīa (cf. orphanō̆trophīum, from Ancient Greek ὀρφανοτροφεῖον (orphanotropheîon)), from Ancient Greek ὀρφᾰνός (orphanós, “orphan”) + τροφή (trophḗ, “nourishment, food; nurture, rearing, upbringing”). By surface analysis, orphan +‎ -o- +‎ -trophy.

Noun

orphanotrophy (countable and uncountable, plural orphanotrophies)

1. A hospital for orphans.
   • 1797, Sir Frederick Morton Eden, The State of the Poor: Or, An History of the Labouring Classes in England:

     A Memorial concerning the erecting, in the City of London, or the Suburbs thereof, an Orphanotrophy, or Hospital for the Reception of Poor cast-off Children

2. (uncountable) The act of supporting orphans.

   Synonym: orphanotrophism

Related terms

• orphanotrophism
• orphanotrophium

References

• “orphanotrophy”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.