Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Mothering \Moth"er*ing\, n.
   A rural custom in England, of visiting one's parents on
   Midlent Sunday, -- supposed to have been originally visiting
   the mother church to make offerings at the high altar.

Mother \Moth"er\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Mothered}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Mothering}.]
   To adopt as a son or daughter; to perform the duties of a
   mother to.

         The queen, to have put lady Elizabeth besides the
         crown, would have mothered another body's child.
                                                  --Howell.