fosterage

noun4

1. •
   The act of fostering another's child as if it were one's own.
2. •
   The act of caring for another human being or animal.

   • In those animals in which the system of fosterage and protection has not been developed a great number of fertilized ova are produced, only a few of which come to maturity. — 1891
3. •
   The act of promoting or encouraging something.

   • Markets are not developed overnight and basic to the success of any marketing program is fosterage of a land use program that assures a permanent agriculture. — 1945
4. •
   The condition of being the foster child.