foster


foster (http://definr.com/foster)

     adj : providing or receiving nurture or parental care though not
           related by blood or legal ties; "foster parent";
           "foster child"; "foster home"; "surrogate father" [syn:
            surrogate]
     n : United States songwriter whose songs embody the sentiment of
         the South before the American Civil War (1826-1864) [syn:
          Foster, Stephen Foster, Stephen Collins Foster]
     v 1: promote the growth of; "Foster our children's well-being and
          education" [syn: further]
     2: bring up under fosterage; of children
     3: help develop, help grow [syn: nurture]