▪ I. ˈchild-bearing, vbl. n.
1. The bringing forth of a child; parturition.
| 1388 Wyclif Gen. xxv. 24 The tyme of childberyng cam. 1611 Bible 1 Tim. ii. 15 She shall be saued in child-bearing, if they continue in faith and charitie. 1667 Milton P.L. x. 1051 To thee Pains onely in Child-bearing were foretold. 1711 Addison Spect. No. 89 ¶1 Sylvia has demurred till she is past Child-bearing. 1801 Med. Jrnl. V. 581 After child-bearing, the veins..are often found distended with blood. |
2. Gestation. (rare.)
| 1862 Lewis Astron. Ancients i. §4. 21 The period of child-bearing in women..is 280 days. |
▪ II. ˈchild-bearing, ppl. a.
That bears a child or children. (Also fig.)
| 1382 Wyclif Isa. xlix. 21 Bareyn, not child berende. a 1617 Bayne On Eph. (1658) 68 That gratifying Mother, child-bearing grace. 1655 Gouge Comm. Heb. (ii. 18) 255 Child-bearing women are more pitifull to others in their travails, than such women as are barren. |