Word Study
godfather
CIDE DICTIONARY
godfather, n. [AS. godfæder. Cf. Gossip.].
A man who becomes sponsor for a child at baptism, and makes himself a surety for its Christian training and instruction. Correlative of godmother . [1913 Webster]
"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." [1913 Webster]
godfather, v. t.
To act as godfather to; to take under one's fostering care. Burke. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
godfather, n.
1 a male godparent.
2 esp. US a person directing an illegal organization, esp. the Mafia.
1 a male godparent.
2 esp. US a person directing an illegal organization, esp. the Mafia.
Idiom
my godfathers! euphem. my God!
ROGET THESAURUS
godfather
Security
N security, guaranty, guarantee, gage, warranty, bond, tie, pledge, plight, mortgage, collateral, debenture, hypothecation, bill of sale, lien, pawn, pignoration, real security, vadium, stake, deposit, earnest, handsel, caution, promissory note, bill, bill of exchange, I, O, U, personal security, covenant, specialty, parole, acceptance, indorsement, signature, execution, stamp, seal, sponsor, cosponsor, sponsion, sponsorship, surety, bail, mainpernor, hostage, godchild, godfather, godmother, recognizance, deed of indemnity, covenant of indemnity, authentication, verification, warrant, certificate, voucher, docket, doquet, record, probate, attested copy, receipt, acquittance, quittance, discharge, release, muniment, title deed, instrument, deed, deed poll, assurance, indenture, charter, charter poll, paper, parchment, settlement, will, testament, last will and testament, codicil, bonis avibus, gone where the woodbine twineth.For further exploring for "godfather" in Webster Dictionary Online