| n. | 1. | The state of being an orphan; orphanhood; orphans, collectively. |
| 2. | An institution or asylum for the care of orphans. |
| Noun | 1. | orphanage - the condition of being a child without living parents; "his early orphanage shaped his character as an adult" Synonyms: orphanhood |
| 2. | orphanage - a public institution for the care of orphans Synonyms: orphans' asylum |
ORPHANAGE, Eng. law. By the custom of London, when a freeman of that city dies, his estate is divided into three parts, as follows: one third part to the widow; another, to the children advanced by him in his lifetime, which is called the orphanage; and the other third part may be by him disposed of by will. Now, however, a freeman may dispose of his estate as he pleases; but in cases of intestacy, the statute of distribution expressly excepts and reserves the custom of London. Lov. on Wills, 102, 104; Bac. Ab. Custom of London, C. Vide Legitime.
condition, orphan, orphanhood