v. & adj.
--v.tr.
1. a promote the growth or development of. b encourage or harbour (a feeling).
2 (of circumstances) be favourable to.
3 a bring up (a child that is not one's own by birth). b Brit. (of a local authority etc.) assign (a child) to be fostered.
4 cherish; have affectionate regard for (an idea, scheme, etc.).
--adj.
1. having a family connection by fostering and not by birth (foster-brother; foster-child; foster-parent).
2 involving or concerned with fostering a child (foster care; foster home).
Derivatives:
fosterage n. (esp. in sense 3 of v.). fosterer n.
Etymology: OE fostrian, foster, rel. to FOOD