An orphan is a child whose mother or father or both has died. Historically the term 'single orphan' was used to describe children whose fathers had died, and the term double orphan meant children who had lost both parents. Commentators often also used the word orphan to describe a child whose parent/s were (or were judged to be) unable, for many different reasons, to care for them.
Prepared by: Caroline Evans
Created: 25 October 2011, Last modified: 3 March 2014