[ba.by] n, pl babies [ME, fr. babe] (14c) 1 a (1): an extremely young child; esp: infant (2): an extremely young animal b: the youngest of a group
2. a: one that is like a baby (as in behavior) b: something that is one's special responsibility, achievement, or interest 3 slang a: girl, woman--often used in address b: boy, man--often used in address
4: person, thing "is one tough ~" -- ba.by.hood n -- ba.by.ish adj
[2]baby adj (1591) 1: of, relating to, or being a baby
2: much smaller than the usual "~ carrots" "a ~ flattop" "take two ~ steps" [3]baby vt ba.bied ; ba.by.ing (1742) 1: to tend to indulge with often excessive or inappropriate care and solicitude "~ing their only child"
2: to operate or treat with care "~ a new motor" "~ing a sore knee" syn see indulge