[nurse] n [ME, fr. OF nurice, fr. LL nutricia, fr. L, fem. of nutricius nourishing--more at nutritious] (13c) 1 a: a woman who suckles an infant not her own: wet nurse b: a woman who takes care of a young child: dry nurse
2: one that looks after, fosters, or advises
3: a person who is skilled or trained in caring for the sick or infirm esp. under the supervision of a physician
4. a: a member of an insect society that belongs to the worker caste and cares for the young b: a female mammal used to suckle the young of another
[2]nurse vb nursed ; nurs.ing [ME nurshen to suckle, nourish, contr. of nurishen] vt (14c) 1 a: to nourish at the breast: suckle b: to take nourishment from the breast of
2: rear, educate 3 a: to promote the development or progress of b: to manage with care or economy "nursed the business through hard times" c: to take charge of and watch over
4. a: to care for and wait on (as a sick person) b: to attempt to cure by care and treatment
5: to hold in one's memory or consideration "~ a grievance"
6. a: to use, handle, or operate carefully so as to conserve energy or avoid injury or pain "~ a sprained ankle" b: to use sparingly c: to consume slowly or over a long period "~ a cup of coffee" ~ vi 1 a: to feed an offspring from the breast b: to feed at the breast: suck
2: to act or serve as a nurse -- nurs.er n