/peuh terr"ni tee/ , n.
1. the state of being a father; fatherhood.
2. derivation or acquirement from a father.
3. origin or authorship.
adj.
4. noting or pertaining to a legal dispute in which an unwed mother accuses a man of being the father of her child: a paternity suit.
[ 1400-50; late ME paternite paternitas. See PATERNAL, -ITY ]