Foster  —v. 1 a promote the growth or development of. B encourage or harbour (a feeling). 2 a bring up (another's child). B (of a local authority etc.) Assign (a child) to be fostered. 3 (of circumstances) be favourable to. —attrib. Adj. 1 having a family connection by fostering (foster-brother; foster-parent). 2 concerned with fostering a child (foster care; foster home). [old english: related to *food]