[or.phan] n [ME, fr. LL orphanus, fr. Gk orphanos; akin to OHG erbi inheritance, L orbus orphaned] (15c) 1: a child deprived by death of one or usu. both parents
2: a young animal that has lost its mother
3: one deprived of some protection or advantage "~s of the storm" -- orphan adj -- or.phan.hood n
[2]orphan vt or.phaned ; or.phan.ing (1814): to cause to become an orphan