ˈfȯstərij, ˈfäs- noun
( -s )
Etymology: foster (III) + -age
1.
a. : the care of a foster child
b. : the state of being a foster child
2. : the custom once widely prevalent in Ireland, Wales, and Scotland of entrusting one's child to foster parents to be nursed and brought up
the ties of clanship were strengthened by fosterage
3. : the act of encouraging or promoting development