n. & v.
n. (often attrib.) 1 a child bereaved of a parent or usu. both parents. 2 a person bereft of previous protection, advantages, etc.
v.tr. bereave (a child) of its parents or a parent. orphanhood n. orphanize v.tr. (also -ise).
[ ME f. LL orphanus f. Gk orphanos bereaved ]