Glossary Term Orphan

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Glossary Term

Summary

An orphan is a child whose mother or father or both has died. Historically the term 'single orphan' was used to describe children whose fathers had died, and the term 'double orphan' meant children who had lost both parents. Commentators often also used the word 'orphan' to describe a child whose parent/s were (or were judged to be) unable, for many different reasons, to care for them.