\God"fa`ther\, n. [AS. godf[ae]der. Cf. {Gossip}.]
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. ).

\God"fa`ther\, v. t.
To act as godfather to; to take under one's fostering care.
[R.] --Burke.