lying-in noun 3adjective 2forms 2 noun3 •The final stages of pregnancy; accouchement.from our first knowing each other, which was soon after my lying-in, we were almost inseparable companions […] — 1749 •A period of postpartum confinement, typically a month or longer, formerly common in Europe and still practiced in some parts of the world.As she lay by the birth-fire, she gazed on the face of the child asleep in the bamboo cradle […] Once free from the lying-in, Linchong set herself to bringing up the baby. — 1995 •(historical) The process of childbirth and the immediate postpartum recovery period of rest and confinement in bed.'[…] as soon as she recovered from her lying-in, for I found her near her delivery […]' — 1811 adjective2 •of, or relating to childbirth •of, or relating to postpartum confinement formslying-ins · lyings-in
