'maternalism' definitions:
Definition of 'maternalism'
(from WordNet)
noun
The quality of having or showing the tenderness and warmth and affection of or befitting a mother; "the girl's motherliness made her invaluable in caring for the children" [syn: motherliness, maternalism, maternal quality, maternity]
noun
Motherly care; behavior characteristic of a mother; the practice of acting as a mother does toward her children