offspring, children

1. child

   1. a male child, a son

2. metaph.

   1. the name transferred to that intimate and reciprocal relationship formed between men by the bonds of love, friendship, trust, just as between parents and children

   2. in affectionate address, such as patrons, helpers, teachers and the like employ: my child

   3. in the NT, pupils or disciples are called children of their teachers, because the latter by their instruction nourish the minds of their pupils and mould their characters

   4. children of God: in the OT of "the people of Israel" as especially dear to God, in the NT, in Paul's writings, all who are led by the Spirit of God and thus closely related to God

   5. children of the devil: those who in thought and action are prompted by the devil, and so reflect his character

3. metaph.

   1. of anything who depends upon it, is possessed by a desire or affection for it, is addicted to it

   2. one who is liable to any fate

      1. thus children of a city: it citizens and inhabitants

   3. the votaries of wisdom, those souls who have, as it were, been nurtured and moulded by wisdom

   4. cursed children, exposed to a curse and doomed to God's wrath or penalty