/pah"dray, -dree/ ; Sp. /pah"dhrdde/ ; It. /pah"drdde/ , n. , pl. padres /-drayz, -dreez/ ; Sp. /-dhrddes/ , padri It. /-drddee/ .
1. father (used esp. in addressing or referring to a priest or member of the clergy).
2. a chaplain in military or naval service.
[ 1575-85; pater ]