Maternity
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MATERNITY. The state or condition of a mother.
2. It is either legitimate or natural. The former is the condition of
the mother who has given birth to legitimate children, while the latter is
the condition of her who has given birth to illegitimate children. Maternity
is always certain, while the paternity (q.v.) is only presumed.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.