Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Godfather \God"fa`ther\, n. [AS. godf[ae]der. 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. --Book of
Common Prayer
(Prot. Episc.
Ch., U. S. ).
[1913 Webster]
Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Godfather \God"fa`ther\, v. t.
To act as godfather to; to take under one's fostering care.
[R.] --Burke.
[1913 Webster] god"fear`ing,