Over time, the meaning of terms could change. For example, the term stiefvader [stepfather] now means the husband of your mother. But in past times, the word would be used for any type of father-by-marriage, including the father of the wife (now called schoonvader or father-in-law).
To fully understand the meaning of a record, it is important to understand the meaning of all the terms at the time the record was created.
Wilhelmina Cammel (108) reading a newspaper. Credits: Koen Suyk, Nationaal Archief (CC-BY-SA)
About Yvette Hoitink
That is, a stiefvader is the husband of your mother who is not your father? Same as in the US.
Yes, the terms stepfather and stiefvader today have the same meaning (husband of your mother who is not your father). But in old documents, the word ‘stiefvader’ could also be father-in-law. I believe I’ve seen discussions in genealogical groups that the same is true for the English word stepfather.
Good thing to be aware of. I guess there’s some logic there. Both a step-father and father-in-law perform the role of father but are not your biological father.
Yes, and they’re both a sort-of father as the result of a marriage, of yourself or your mother.