any man who serves as a sponsor for a child at baptism
"The local priest asked if I would be willing to serve as the godfather for his newborn's baptism next Sunday."
someone having a relation analogous to that of a male sponsor to his godchild
"After my parents got married, they asked their old friend to serve as my godfather during the baptism ceremony."
A man present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner; a male godparent who sponsors the baptism of a child.
"At the church service, my uncle acted as the godfather by holding the infant and promising to guide his spiritual upbringing."
To act as godfather or guardian to.
"When our parents passed away, his family stepped in to act as our official guardians and guide us through life's challenges."