Dictionary meaning of the expression "child" is a son or daughter; one who stands in relation of origin or adoption; a disciple, a youth of gentle birth, specially in ballads. Under the Hindu Law, the adopted son in relation to his adopted father stands equally with the natural son in the matters of temporal and spiritual matters. Hindu Law does not make any distinction between a natural son and adopted son in the matter of inheritance, whether it is in the application of personal law or secular law, the adopted son has the same status with the natural son. 

(M/s. Anath Bandhu Guha Vs. Sudhanpsu Sekar Dey alias Halder and others, 1979, 8 CLC (AD) [7000])   

See also the meaning of "Child" from Legislative Dictionary.