maternal
/məˈtɝnəl/ adjective C1- Of or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother; motherly. · His weakness seemed to bring out her maternal instincts.
- Related through the mother, or her side of the family. · Toby is my maternal uncle.
- Derived from the mother as opposed to the foetus during pregnancy.
From the library
“Never mind, Renée,” replied the marquise, with a look of tenderness that seemed out of keeping with her harsh dry features; but, however all other feelings may be withered in a woman’s nature, there is always one bright smiling spot in the desert of her heart, and that is the shrine of maternal love.
They are descended, on the maternal side, from the same noble line; and, on the father’s, from respectable, honourable, and ancient, though untitled, families.
Happy for all her maternal feelings was the day on which Mrs.
I doubt not you will consider these praises the result of blind maternal affection, but there is a soul of iron in that delicate, fragile body.
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