Venter or ventre

VENTER or VENTRE. Signifies literally the belly. In law it is used figuratively for the wife: for example, a man has three children by the first, and one by the second venter.
     2. A child is said to be in ventre sa mere before it is born; while it is a foetus.

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.