Putative Father
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
The reputed father. This term is most usually applied to the father of a bastard child. The putative father is bound to support his children, and entitled to the guardianship and care of them in preference to all persons but the mother. 1 Ashm. R. 55; and vide 7 East, 11.