n. [ F. maternité, LL. maternitas. ] 1. The state of being a mother; motherhood. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The character of a mother; maternal quality; motherliness. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. The maternity ward; the maternity department of a hospital. [ PJC ]
a. 1. Of or pertaining to childbirth or the period during which a woman is pregnant; as, maternity care; a maternity hospital. [ PJC ]
2. For use during pregnancy; as, a maternity outfit. [ PJC ]
n. The section of a hospital devoted to assisting women during childbirth and caring for them and their newborn infants until they are released to go home. [ PJC ]