paternity Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the state of being a father
    • tests were conducted to determine paternity
  2. noun the kinship relation between an offspring and the father
    fatherhood.
  3. noun the act of initiating a new idea or theory or writing
    authorship.
    • the authorship of the theory is disputed

WordNet

Pa*ter"ni*ty noun
Etymology
L. paternitas: cf. F. paternité. See Paternal.
Definitions
  1. The relation of a father to his child; fathership; fatherhood; family headship; as, the divine paternity.
    The world, while it had scarcity of people, underwent no other dominion than paternity and eldership. Sir W. Raleigh.
  2. Derivation or descent from a father; male parentage; as, the paternity of a child.
  3. Origin; authorship.
    The paternity of these novels was . . . disputed. Sir W. Scott.

Webster 1913