noun, plural in·fan·cies.
- the state or period of being an infant; very early childhood, usually the period before being able to walk; babyhood.
- the corresponding period in the existence of anything; very early stage: Space science is in its infancy.
- infants collectively.
- Law. the period of life to the age of majority, 21 years at common law but now usually 18; minority; nonage.
noun plural -cies
- the state or period of being an infant; childhood
- an early stage of growth or development
- infants collectively
- the period of life prior to attaining legal majority (reached at 21 under common law, at 18 by statute); minority nonage
late 14c., from Anglo-French enfaunce and directly from Latin infantia “early childhood,” literally “inability to speak,” from infantem (see infant).
n.
- The earliest period of childhood, especially before the ability to walk has been acquired.
- The state of being an infant.