/mudh"euhr hood'/ , n.
1. the state of being a mother; maternity.
2. the qualities or spirit of a mother.
3. mothers collectively.
adj.
4. having or relating to an inherent worthiness, justness, or goodness that is obvious or unarguable: legislation pushed through on a motherhood basis.
[ 1375-1425; late ME moderhed. See MOTHER 1 , -HOOD ]