God"fa`ther (?), n. [AS. godfaeder. Cf. Gossip.]
A man who becomes sponsor for a child at baptism, and makes himself a surety for its Christian training and instruction.
There shall be for every Male-child to be baptized, when they can be had, two Godfathers and one Godmother; and for every Female, one Godfather and two Godmothers; and Parents shall be admitted as Sponsors, if it is desired.
Book of Common Prayer (Prot. Episc. Ch., U. S. ).
© Webster 1913.
God"fa`ther, v. t.
To act as godfather to; to take under one's fostering care.
[R.]
Burke.
© Webster 1913.