Pronunciation: [nˈʌɹɪs] (IPA) 
The word "nourice" is a somewhat archaic term used to refer to a female nursemaid or caretaker. In terms of its spelling, the word is pronounced with the IPA transcription /ˈnʌrɪs/. The "ou" in "nourice" makes an "uh" sound, while the "i" at the end of the word is pronounced as a short "ih" vowel sound. Additionally, the "c" at the end is pronounced as a soft "s" sound, making the word rhyme with "surface."
Nourice is an archaic term that refers to a wet nurse or a person who breastfeeds and cares for another woman's infant or young child. The term originated from Middle English and has its roots in the Old French word "nurice" and the Latin word "nutricius," both of which mean "nourishing" or "feeding."
In traditional societies, when a mother was unable to nurse her baby for various reasons such as poor health, death, or social obligations, a nourice would be employed to undertake the role of providing breast milk to the child. The nourice would essentially act as a surrogate mother, giving unaided sustenance and affection to the infant while the biological mother was absent or unable to fulfill such duties.
Beyond breastfeeding, a nourice was also responsible for taking care of the child's overall well-being, including feeding, bathing, and nurturing. They were trusted caretakers who ensured the proper growth and development of the child during the crucial early years.
In modern times, the practice of employing nourices has significantly declined with the increased availability of infant formula and the medical advancements in infant care. The term "nourice" is now mostly recognized as an obsolete or historical reference, often found in literary works or historical accounts.
The word "nourice" comes from the Old French term "nurise", which was derived from the Latin word "nutricia". In Latin, "nutricia" referred to a wet nurse, someone who breastfed and cared for an infant other than their biological mother. Over time, "nurise" evolved into "nourice" in Middle English and Old French, maintaining the same general meaning of a nurse or someone who provides care and nourishment for a child.
