a. [ L. paternus, fr. pater a father: cf. F. paternel. See Father. ]
Their small paternal field of corn. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
Paternal government (Polit. Science),
n. (Polit. Science) The theory or practice of paternal government. See
adj. Benevolent but sometimes intrusive; -- used often of governments and the administration of large organizations. See
adv. In a paternal manner. [ 1913 Webster ]