Meaning: The quote "Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly" is a humorous and satirical definition of a sweater by the American journalist and writer, Ambrose Bierce. Bierce was known for his wit and cynicism, and this quote perfectly encapsulates his style. Through this definition, Bierce highlights the irony and practicality of a child wearing a sweater not for their own comfort, but rather to provide warmth for their mother.

Ambrose Bierce was a prolific journalist and author in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was known for his sharp wit and sardonic writing style, often employing satire to critique societal norms and human behavior. Bierce's most famous work, "The Devil's Dictionary," is a collection of satirical definitions that humorously and incisively skewer various aspects of human life and society.

In the quote, Bierce uses the format of a dictionary definition to provide a tongue-in-cheek interpretation of the purpose of a sweater. By defining a sweater as a garment worn by a child when its mother is feeling chilly, Bierce cleverly subverts the conventional understanding of the purpose of a sweater. Instead of focusing on the garment's function as a source of warmth for the wearer, Bierce draws attention to the often overlooked role of a child's sweater in providing comfort and warmth to the child's mother.

The humor in Bierce's quote lies in its recognition of the everyday dynamics of family life. The image of a child wearing a sweater to alleviate the mother's chilliness is both endearing and comical, as it playfully challenges the traditional notion of clothing as solely serving the needs of the individual wearer. Bierce's definition sheds light on the interconnectedness of human relationships, using the seemingly mundane act of wearing a sweater as a lens through which to explore the nuances of familial care and consideration.

Bierce's quote also reflects his astute observation of human behavior and social conventions. Through his satirical definition, he deftly exposes the often unspoken and unacknowledged ways in which individuals, especially within a family unit, look out for each other's well-being. By framing the act of a child wearing a sweater in response to the mother's chilliness, Bierce invites the reader to consider the subtleties of empathy and caretaking that permeate everyday life.

Furthermore, the quote can be seen as a commentary on the selflessness and nurturing nature of motherhood. Bierce's choice to highlight the maternal role in the context of the child's clothing underscores the idea of a mother's needs being secondary to those of her child. The humor in the quote lies in its recognition of the paradoxical nature of caregiving, where the very act of providing warmth and comfort to others may result in the caregiver experiencing a sense of chilliness or neglect.

In conclusion, Ambrose Bierce's quote "Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly" is a witty and insightful commentary on the dynamics of family life, the subtleties of human relationships, and the selfless nature of caregiving. Through this satirical definition, Bierce invites readers to consider the often overlooked ways in which individuals, especially within a family unit, express care and concern for one another. This quote serves as a testament to Bierce's keen observation of human behavior and his ability to infuse humor into everyday situations, making it a timeless and relatable reflection on the complexities of human interaction.