FATHERLY Meaning of FATHERLY in English [fa.ther.ly] adj (15c) 1: of, relating to, or befitting a father "~ responsibilities" 2: resembling a father (as in affection or care) "a ~ old man" -- fa.ther.li.ness n -- fatherly adv Merriam-Webster English vocab. Английский словарь Merriam Webster. 2012