a. [ F. maternel, L. maternus, fr. mater mother. See Mother. ] Of or pertaining to a mother; becoming to a mother; motherly;
adj. showing maternal instincts; behaving as a mother should; motherly. [ WordNet 1.5 ]
adv. In a motherly manner. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F. maternité, LL. maternitas. ]
a.
n. The section of a hospital devoted to assisting women during childbirth and caring for them and their newborn infants until they are released to go home. [ PJC ]