a. Also 6–7 sonnelike. [f. SON sb.] Resembling that of a son; filial.
1583. Babington, Commandm., 26. There are two kinds of feare of God, one a seruile feare,… another ioyned with loue of God, called a sonnelike feare.
1594. T. B., La Primaud. Fr. Acad., II. 503. They judged … that sonlike respect and love were good prickes to drive them forward.
1657. Owen, Communion, II. x. Wks. 1851, II. 213. This … sonlike freedom of the Spirit in obedience.
1674. Bunyan, Christ. Behaviour, Wks. 1855, II. 563. All humble and sonlike carriage.
Hence Sonlikeness.
1876. W. Bathgate, Deep Things of God, vi. 145. This was sonlikeness without one unfilial flaw or frown.
