creche

creche
    n 1: a hospital where foundlings (infant children of unknown
         parents) are taken in and cared for [syn: {creche},
         {foundling hospital}]
    2: a representation of Christ's nativity in the stable at
       Bethlehem
    

Creche \Cr[`e]che\ (kr[asl]sh), n. [F.]
   1. A public nursery, where the young children of poor women
      are cared for during the day, while their mothers are at
      work.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. a day-care center for young children.
      [PJC]

   3. a three-dimensional model of the scene described in the
      Bible at the birth of Jesus Christ in a stable at
      Bethlehem, with Mary and Joseph near a manger in which a
      model of the infant Christ child is lain, and usually
      including figures of animals, shepherds, and the three
      wise men; -- also called a {Nativity scene}. The figures
      in the scene are typically made as individual statues or
      figurines. Smaller models are displayed in homes and other
      indoor locations during the Christmans season, and larger
      models, often life-size, may be displayed out of doors.
      [PJC]

   4. (Biol.) a nest where the young of several animals are
      cared for in a communal fashion.
      [PJC]