motherful

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English

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Etymology

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From Middle English moderfull, equivalent to mother +‎ -ful. Cognate with Scots moderfull (pregnant).

Adjective

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motherful (comparative more motherful, superlative most motherful)

  1. Befitting a mother; motherly.
    • 1885, Kathleen O'Meara, Jeanne Marie Rendu, Queen by divine right and other tales:
      But Sœur Rosalie remained their mother still ; and when they returned, as many of them did — floated home by some strong current of grace — those motherful arms and that great motherful heart were open to them with a welcome made more tender by the extremity of their need.
    • 1905, Florence Morse Kingsley, The Resurrection of Miss Cynthia:
      More than once, after the auspicious occasion of his first visit, did Miss Cynthia cuddle and pet the Puffer baby in motherful fashion, and the twins had established a permanent playhouse under the apple tree in the back yard.
    • 1910, Rupert Hughes, Gift Wife:
      But I thinked you might wish to have the card. It might help you to remember. Are you remembering such a place? " He shook his head blankly. Her eyes softened with motherful pity: " The poor effendi was so seeck! "
    • 1910, Frank Pendleton, Tim and Roy in Camp:
      As Roy is approaching the buggy where she is seated, a motherful pride leaps to her eyes. Her dear boy!
  2. In the state of motherhood; pregnant.
    • 1911, Louis Mervin Maus, An army officer on leave in Japan:
      The ship's quartermaster said nothing but just laid low, while the young, motherful bride moved about the deck in an exquisite confection of old-gold and rose, followed by a train of admirers.
  3. Having a mother.
    • 1899, Mary Swift Lamson, Life and Education of Laura Dewey Bridgman, the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Girl:
      I am motherful and sisterful; you are brotherless.