wet-nurse

[ wet-nurs ]
/ ˈwɛtˌnɜrs /

verb (used with object), wet-nursed, wet-nurs·ing.

to act as a wet nurse to (an infant).
to give excessive care or attention to; treat as if helpless: The warden is accused of wet-nursing his prisoners.

Origin of wet-nurse

First recorded in 1775–85

Definition for wet-nurse (2 of 2)

wet nurse

noun

a woman hired to suckle another's infant.

Origin of wet nurse

First recorded in 1610–20

Example sentences from the Web for wet-nurse

British Dictionary definitions for wet-nurse

wet nurse

noun

a woman hired to suckle the child of another

verb wet-nurse (tr)

to act as a wet nurse to (a child)
informal to attend with great devotion

Medical definitions for wet-nurse

wet nurse

n.

A woman employed to breast-feed a child that is not her own.