1. the care and raising of a child by someone other than the child’s natural parents
2. the act or practice of fostering or encouraging something
Usage: formal

Examples

• The child was placed in fosterage after his parents died.
• She grew up under the fosterage of her aunt and uncle.
• The fosterage of young talent requires patience and dedication.
• The organization’s fosterage of community programs has been remarkable.
• Traditional fosterage systems existed in many ancient cultures.
• The fosterage arrangement lasted until the child reached adulthood.