dry nurse
Noun: A person, historically a woman, employed to care for an infant or child but who does not breastfeed it. The role involves all other aspects of infant care such as feeding with a bottle, bathing, dressing, and comforting.
The term "dry nurse" is now largely historical and has fallen out of common use. It was used to distinguish a caregiver from a "wet nurse," who would breastfeed the child. It is primarily encountered in historical texts or discussions.
Examples: - In the 19th century, a wealthy family might hire both a wet nurse and a dry nurse for their newborn. - The dry nurse was responsible for preparing the baby's bottle and ensuring the nursery was clean.
- The term can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe someone who provides excessive care or coddling without providing the essential, nourishing element.
- Example: The manager was just a dry nurse, offering sympathy but no real resources to solve the team's problems.
- Nurse (n): The general term for a person trained to care for the sick, infirm, or (historically) young children.
- Wet nurse (n): A historical term for a woman employed to breastfeed another woman's child.
- Nanny (n): A modern term for a person employed to care for children in a private household.
- Caregiver (n): A broad, modern term for anyone who provides care.
- Child nurse (archaic)
- Nursemaid (This term is also somewhat dated but was often synonymous with "dry nurse.")
- Wet nurse: Specifically denotes a nurse who suckles an infant.
"Dry nurse" is an archaic term. In contemporary English, specific roles like "nanny," "au pair," or "childcare provider" are used. Using "dry nurse" in modern conversation would likely sound odd or require explanation of its historical context.
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a nurse who cares for but does not suckle an infant
