In common usage, this is a strange phrase, but not an incorrect one. The usage refers to the idea that "to deliver" means "to relieve" (or in extreme cases "to rescue from"), rather than the concept of bringing, like you deliver a letter (which is actually rather a funny way to think about giving birth). "Delivered of" is a rather formal phraseology, and a bit archaic.
Why use "of" in the phrase "delivered of a baby"?
With all the "Royal baby" craze comes something that really confuses me. All the news media used pretty much the same sentence to make the announcement: > The Duchess of Cambridge has been delivered **of** a son. A couple of questions: * Why not "The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to a son" or "delivered a baby", or something along those lines? * Why is "of" used in this structure, and what purpose does it serve? From a non-native English speaker's perspective, this sentence doesn't seem to make any sense at all to me.
Follow
1
Add comment
More
Report
1 Expert Answer
Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.
Ask a question for free
Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.
OR
Find an Online Tutor Now
Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.