Legal Definitions - dilecto et fideli

Dilecto et fideli is a Latin phrase that translates to "to his beloved and faithful."

Historically, this phrase was a formal and respectful form of address used in various legal and official documents, particularly in writs, charters, or royal decrees issued by a sovereign or high authority. It signified a personal and trusting relationship between the issuer and the recipient, often implying loyalty, esteem, and a special bond.

• Example 1: A Royal Proclamation

  Imagine a medieval king issuing a royal writ to a trusted earl, instructing him to raise an army for a campaign. The writ might formally begin with "Edwardus, Dei gratia Rex Angliae, dilecto et fideli nostro Comiti de [Earl's Name], salutem!" (Edward, by the grace of God King of England, to our beloved and faithful Earl of [Earl's Name], greetings!).

  This example illustrates dilecto et fideli as the king's way of personally addressing a high-ranking noble, acknowledging his loyalty and the special trust placed in him to carry out a significant royal command.

• Example 2: An Ecclesiastical Grant

  Consider a powerful bishop granting a special privilege or a parcel of land to a particularly devoted monastery within his diocese. The formal document outlining this grant could open with "Nos, [Bishop's Name], Dei gratia Episcopus, dilecto et fideli nostro Abbati et Conventui Monasterii de [Monastery Name], gratiam et benedictionem!" (We, [Bishop's Name], by the grace of God Bishop, to our beloved and faithful Abbot and Convent of the Monastery of [Monastery Name], grace and blessing!).

  Here, the phrase dilecto et fideli highlights the bishop's recognition of the monastery's steadfast devotion and loyalty to the church, underscoring the spiritual and administrative trust placed in them.

• Example 3: A Feudal Charter

  A powerful lord might issue a charter confirming a hereditary right or granting new lands to a knight who has served him with exceptional bravery and loyalty over many years. The charter could commence: "Ego, [Lord's Name], Dominus de [Estate], dilecto et fideli militi nostro [Knight's Name], has litteras patentes do..." (I, [Lord's Name], Lord of [Estate], to our beloved and faithful knight [Knight's Name], give these letters patent...).

  This demonstrates the use of dilecto et fideli in a feudal context, where a lord formally acknowledges the knight's unwavering service and personal loyalty, which forms the basis for the significant grant or confirmation of rights.