A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Fosterlean (fos-tər-leen) is a historical term that refers to the payment made to someone who takes care of a foster child.

Example: In medieval times, fosterlean was a common practice where a family would take in a child who was not their own and raise them as their own. The foster parent would receive a payment from the child's biological family or the government for their care.

Explanation: The example illustrates how fosterlean was a way to compensate foster parents for their time and effort in raising a child who was not biologically theirs. It was a way to ensure that the child received proper care and that the foster parent was not burdened with the financial cost of raising the child.