love child
Plural
love children
1
a child who had parents that were not married to one another
The idiom "love child" is thought to have originated in the 17th century. It is believed to be a reference to the fact that children born out of wedlock were often considered to be the result of a romantic relationship between two people who were not married. The term "love child" is often used in a negative or disapproving way, as it implies that the child is the result of a casual or illicit relationship. However, it is also sometimes used in a more neutral or positive way, as a way to describe a child who was born into a loving and supportive relationship.
- Despite not being married, Tom and Jane welcomed a beautiful love child into their lives.
- The actress had a love child with her co-star.