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Godfather

a man who becomes sponsor for a child at baptism, and makes himself a surety for its Christian training and instruction. There shall be for every Male-child to be baptized, when they can be had, two Godfathers and one Godmother; and for every female, one godfather and two Godmothers; and parents shall be admitted as Sponsors, if it is desired. (book of Common Prayer (Prot. Episc. Ch, u. S))

Origin: as. Godfaeder. Cf. Gossip.

to act as godfather to; to take under one's fostering care.