child-like

See also: childlike

English

Adjective

child-like (comparative more child-like, superlative most child-like)

1. Alternative spelling of childlike
   • 1823, Elia [pseudonym; Charles Lamb], “All Fools’ Day”, in Elia. Essays which have Appeared under that Signature in The London Magazine, London: […] [Thomas Davison] for Taylor and Hessey, […], →OCLC, page 100:

     When a child, with child-like apprehensions, that dived not below the surface of the matter, I read those Parables—not guessing at their involved wisdom—I had more yearnings towards that simple architect, that built his house upon the sand, than I entertained for his more cautious neighbour; […]

   • 1851 April 9, Nathaniel Hawthorne, “The Pyncheon of To-day”, in The House of the Seven Gables, a Romance, Boston, Mass.: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, page 136:

     There is no frightful guest in the house, but only a poor, gentle, child-like man, whom I believe to be Cousin Hepzibah’s brother.