godfather

English

/ˈɡɑdfɑðɚ/, /ˈɡɒdfɑːðə/

noun
Definitions
  • A man present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner; a male godparent who sponsors the baptism of a child.
  • A small post which is used in repairing a fence. For instance attached to and supporting an existing broken fence post.
  • A mafia leader.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English godfader inherited from Old English godfæder (godfather) compound from English god + English father.

Origin

English

father

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms