The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Foster \Fos"ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fostered, p. pr. & vb.
   n. Fostering.] [OE. fostren, fr. AS. f[=o]ster, f[=o]stor,
   food, nourishment, fr. f[=o]da food. [root]75. See Food.]
   1. To feed; to nourish; to support; to bring up.
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            Some say that ravens foster forlorn children.
                                                  --Shak.
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   2. To cherish; to promote the growth of; to encourage; to
      sustain and promote; as, to foster genius.
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