Found 2 items, similar to Paternity.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: paternity paternity n 1: the state of being a father; “tests were conducted to determine paternity” 2: the kinship relation between an offspring and the father [syn: fatherhood] 3: the act of initiating a new idea or theory or writing; “the authorship of the theory is disputed” [syn: authorship]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Paternity Paternity \Pa*ter"ni*ty\, n. [L. paternitas: cf. F. paternit['e]. See Paternal.] 1. The relation of a father to his child; fathership; fatherhood; family headship; as, the divine paternity. [1913 Webster] The world, while it had scarcity of people, underwent no other dominion than paternity and eldership. --Sir W. Raleigh. [1913 Webster] 2. Derivation or descent from a father; male parentage; as, the paternity of a child. [1913 Webster] 3. Origin; authorship. [1913 Webster] The paternity of these novels was . . . disputed. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]