Dictionary

motherling en · NOUN

Etymology

From mother + -ling.

Meanings

1. (diminutive, endearing) A mother, especially a precious one.
   • I will marry again, motherling! I will indeed; but this time let me choose for myself," he said consolingly as the fond woman clung to him in mingled joy at seeing him again, and grief at the failure of her schemes. 1912, Flora Annie Webster Steel, King-errant:
2. A woman's child.
   • First, to resolve gender ambiguity in links to collateral relatives, he introduced the symbols F (“fatherling”) and M (“motherling”) to refer to a “man's child” and a “woman's child,” respectively. 2012, Thomas R. Trautmann, Peter M. Whiteley, Crow-Omaha:
3. (derogatory) Mother.
   • Dr. Howard shook his head doubtingly. "Motherling. please, motherling," coaxed Bab. 1908, Mary Mapes Dodge, St. Nicholas - Volume 35, Part 1 - Page 231:

Forms