Definition of paternalism
1
: a system under which an authority undertakes to supply needs or regulate conduct of those under its control in matters affecting them as individuals as well as in their relations to authority and to each other
the empire's paternalism in regard to its colonies
2
: a policy or practice based on or characteristic of paternalism
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for paternalism
The first known use of paternalism was in the 15th century
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