godmother

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a female godparent who sponsors a child at baptism and traditionally supports the child's religious upbringing

   Her aunt became her godmother at the baptism.

2. 2
   noun

   a woman who gives important help, guidance, or patronage to another person or undertaking

   The editor became the young writer's professional godmother.

From Old English godmodor, a compound of god and mother naming a woman who assumed spiritual responsibility for a child. The broader patron or benefactor sense extends that protective role.

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