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.
Derivatives:
orphanhood n. orphanize v.tr. (also -ise).
Etymology: ME f. LL orphanus f. Gk orphanos bereaved