the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. The qualities of a father; parantal kindness, care, etc.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. The state or quality of being fatherly; resemblance to a kind father; parental kindness, care, and tenderness.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. the benignity and protectiveness of or befitting a father
Word Usage
"THE RULING Unity Party -- its executives, strategists as well as "foot soldiers" -- must be commended for exhibiting maturity and "fatherliness" over the electoral process, even though it was a tough frontrunner."