Obs. rare–1. [f. L. altor a foster-father, agent-noun f. al-ĕre to nourish + -AGE. Cf. porterage.] Fostering, rearing.
1612. Sir J. Davies, Why Ireland, etc. (1747), 180. In Ireland, where they put away al their children to Fosterers, the potent and rich men selling, the meaner sort buying, the alterage of their children.
