infancy: Meaning and Definition of

in•fan•cy

1. the state or period of being an infant; very early childhood, usually the period before being able to walk; babyhood.
2. the corresponding period in the existence of anything; very early stage: Space science is in its infancy.
3. infants collectively.
4. the period of life to the age of majority, 21 years at common law but now usually 18; minority; nonage.