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Moth"er*ing, n. A rural custom in
England, of visiting one's parents on Midlent Sunday, -- supposed to
have been originally visiting the mother church to make offerings at
the high altar.

Moth"er-in-law` (?), n. The mother
of one's husband or wife.

Moth"er*land` (?), n. The country
of one's ancestors; -- same as fatherland.

Moth"er*less, a. [AS.
mōdorleás.] Destitute of a mother; having
lost a mother; as, motherless children.

Moth"er*li*ness (?), n. The state
or quality of being motherly.

Moth"er*ly, a. [AS.
mōdorlic.] Of or pertaining to a mother; like, or
suitable for, a mother; tender; maternal; as, motherly
authority, love, or care. Hooker.

Syn. -- Maternal; paternal. -- Motherly,
Maternal. Motherly, being Anglo-Saxon, is the most
familiar word of the two when both have the same meaning. Besides
this, maternal is confined to the feelings of a mother toward
her own children, whereas motherly has a secondary
sense, denoting a care like that of a mother for her
offspring.


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