Parent

(par'ent.) [From L. parens,- pa rio, I bring forth.] (Law.) A term of relationship applicable to those from whom we immediately receive our being. Parents, by the law of the land, as well as by the law of nature, are bound to educate, maintain, and defend their children, over whom they have a legal as well as a natural power; they likewise have interests in the profits of their children's labor, during their non age, in case the children live with and are provided for by them; yet the P. has no interest in the real or persona. estate of a child, otherwise than as his guardian. The laws relating to the mutual rights and duties of parents and children are a very important part of every code, and have a very intimate connection with the state of society and with civil institutions. [s. 684]