Orphan

' A fatherless child; a minor who has lost either or both parents: A child who has lost one or both of its parents.^ Stephen Girard devised property to the city of Philadelphia in trust for the founding of a college for white male orphans, preference being given to orphans bom in that city. Francis Lieber, who drew up the plan of government, was of the opinion that the word "orphan," meant a fatherless child. In support of this opinion he had the private views of Chancellor Kent and Judge Story, and, subsequently, a decision by the supreme court of Pennsylvania.' In Wisconsin, a devise for the benefit of the " Roman Catholic orphans " of a diocese was held void for un- ' New Haven, &c. E. Co. v. Chapman, 38 Conn. 66 (1871). "L. origo, beginning; oriri, to rise. ' 1 Greenl, Ev. § 558; 1 Whart. Ev. § 74. * Conover v. Roach, 4 Fish. 16 (1857), Hall, J. ' Gk. irphanos', bereft, destitute. « Beardsley v. Bridgeport, 63 Conn. 493 (1885), Parcertainty, for the reason, among others, that it did not appeg.r whether whole or half orphans were meant.i Orphans' court. In Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and perhaps in ot^er States, the title of the court having jurisdiction to settle the estates of decedents.

See Guardian, 2; Probate, Court of.