Definition

Noun: A public institution dedicated to the housing, care, and upbringing of children who have lost both parents.

Usage

The term is used to refer to a specific type of charitable or public residential facility historically established for orphaned children. - In the 19th century, many cities had an orphans' asylum to care for children without families. - The charitable society raised funds to support the local orphans' asylum.

Advanced Usage

• The term is largely historical and carries specific connotations of its era. In modern contexts, terms like "children's home," "group home," or "orphanage" are more commonly used, though practices and terminology have evolved significantly.
• It often implies a formal, institutional setting, as opposed to foster care or kinship care.

Variants and Related Words

• Orphanage (n): The modern term most directly equivalent to "orphans' asylum," referring to a residential institution for the care of orphans.
• Foundling hospital (n): A historical institution for the care of abandoned infants and young children.
• Children's home (n): A contemporary term for a residential care facility for children.

Synonyms

• Orphanage
• Children's home
• Foundling hospital (historically specific)

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically denotes an institution. It is not used for individual foster homes, adoptive families, or temporary shelters.
• The possessive form "orphans'" indicates the institution belongs to or is intended for orphans. The word "asylum" here uses an older meaning of "a place of refuge or safety."

Noun

1. a public institution for the care of orphans