Legal Definitions - di. et fi.

di. et fi. is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase DILECTO ET FIDELI, which translates to "to the beloved and faithful."

Historically, this phrase was used in formal legal documents, such as wills, royal decrees, or official appointments, to address or refer to an individual who was held in high esteem, trusted implicitly, and considered loyal. It signifies a special relationship characterized by deep affection and unwavering fidelity.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of this term:

• Example 1: Appointment of an Executor in a Will

  Imagine a wealthy individual drafting their last will and testament. They wish to appoint their lifelong best friend, who has always been a steadfast confidant and supporter, as the executor of their complex estate. The will might contain language, or historically would have, that implicitly or explicitly conveys the sentiment of DILECTO ET FIDELI, recognizing the friend's trustworthiness and the deep bond shared, making them the ideal person to manage the estate's affairs with integrity and care.

• Example 2: A Royal Grant of Land

  Consider a historical scenario where a monarch bestows a significant tract of land and a noble title upon a general who has served the crown with exceptional bravery and unwavering loyalty through many campaigns. The official decree granting these honors would reflect the monarch's profound trust and appreciation for the general's fidelity. The underlying sentiment of DILECTO ET FIDELI would be central to such a grant, acknowledging the general as a "beloved and faithful" servant worthy of such a significant reward.

• Example 3: Establishing a Charitable Trust

  A philanthropist decides to establish a perpetual charitable trust to fund educational scholarships. They appoint their long-serving personal assistant, who has demonstrated years of dedication, discretion, and commitment to the philanthropist's vision, as the initial sole trustee. The trust's foundational document, while perhaps not using the exact Latin phrase today, would be predicated on the assistant being the "beloved and faithful" choice, trusted completely to uphold the founder's intentions and manage the trust's assets responsibly for generations.