One who or that which gives life.
1598. S. Rowlands, Betray. Christ, G i b. O … deaths victor, true life-giuer.
1862. Lytton, Str. Story, I. 98. The air—which is the kindest life-giver.
1875. Manning, Mission H. Ghost, i. 3. The Holy Ghost, the Lord and Life-Giver.
So Life-giving sb. and a.
1561. Daus, trans. Bullinger on Apoc. (1573), 133 b. This creation and lifegiving, is not communicated to others.
1596. Spenser, Hymn Hon. Love, 65. Heavens life-giving fyre.
1667. Milton, P. L., IV. 199. The vertue … Of that life-giving Plant.
a. 1761. Law, Comf. Weary Pilgr. (1809), 31. The life-giving power of his holy presence in our souls.
1855. Kingsley, Glaucus (1878), 201. The life-giving oxygen of the air.
1899. E. G. Jones, Ascent through Christ, II. iii. 295. All life-giving is costly.
