Orphan, a fatherless child or minor, or one deprived of both father and mother.
The Lord Chancellor is the general guardian of all orphans and minors throughout the realm. See GUARDIANSHIP; WARD OF COURT.
By the (English) Poor Law Act, 1930 (20 & 21 Geo. 5, c. 17), local county or borough councils may assist the emigration of poor orphans (see s. 68, ibid.).
The (English) Windows, Orphans and Old Age Contributory Pensions Acts, 1925-1935, provide for pensions for orphans of persons insured under the (English) National Health Insurance Acts under these Acts, 'orphan' means a child, both of whose parents are dead (15 & 16 Geo. 5, c. 70, s. 44).
In London the Lord Mayor and Aldermen have in their Court of Orphans the custody of the orphans of deceased freemen, and also the keeping of their land and goods; accordingly the executors and administrators of freemen leaving such orphans are to exhibit inventories of the estate of the deceased, and give security to the Chamberlain for the orphan's part or share. Consult Williams on Executors.