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.