Pāʹrent, n.

(sometimes improperly pronounced pāʹ-rent, 4), n. [Lat. parens, parentis, for pariens, fr. parere, to bring forth, to beget, Fr. & Pr. parent, Sp. pariente, It. parente.]

1. One who begets or brings forth offspring; a father or mother.
2. Hence, that which produces; cause; source; as, idleness is the parent of vice.

Regular industry is the parent of sobriety. Channing.