of consent n. Age at which consent to sexual intercourse is valid in law.

- suffix forming nouns denoting: 1 action (breakage).

- condition (bondage).

- aggregate or number (coverage; acreage).

- cost (postage).

- result (wreckage).

- place or abode (anchorage; orphanage). [latin -aticus]

- —n. - length of time that a person or thing has existed.

- a colloq. (often in pl.) A long time (waited for ages). B distinct historical period (bronze age).

- old age. —v. (ageing) 1 show or cause to show signs of advancing age.

- grow old.

- mature. come of age reach adult status (esp. Law at 18, formerly 21). [latin aetas]