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). fosterage n. (esp. in sense 3 of v.). fosterer n.
[ OE fostrian, foster, rel. to FOOD ]