— infanthood , n. — infantlike , adj.
/in"feuhnt/ , n.
1. a child during the earliest period of its life, esp. before he or she can walk; baby.
2. Law. a person who is not of full age, esp. one who has not reached the age of 18 years; a minor.
3. a beginner, as in experience or learning; novice: The new candidate is a political infant.
4. anything in the first stage of existence or progress.
adj.
5. of or pertaining to infants or infancy: infant years.
6. being in infancy: an infant king.
7. being in the earliest stage: an infant industry.
8. of or pertaining to the legal state of infancy; minor.
[ 1350-1400; infant- (s. of infans ) small child, lit., one unable to speak, equiv. to in- IN- 3 + -fans, prp. of fari to speak; r. ME enfaunt ]