amicus

[uh-mahy-kuh s, uh-mee-]

adjective Law.

of, relating to, or representing an amicus curiae, a friend of the court: The church stated its official position in an amicus brief.

Origin of amicus

by shortening

amicus humani generis

[ah-mee-koo s hoo-mah-nee ge-ne-ris; English uh-mahy-kuh s hyoo-mey-nahy jen-uh-ris, uh-mee-kuh s hyoo-mey-nee]

noun Latin.

a philanthropist.

Origin of amicus humani generis

literally, friend of the human race

amicus usque ad aras

[ah-mee-koo s oo s-kwe ahd ah-rahs; English uh-mahy-kuh s uhs-kwee ad ey-ras, uh-mee-]

noun Latin.

a friend to the last degree.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for amicus

Contemporary Examples of amicus

He co-authored the amicus brief filed on behalf of 23 pro-life groups.
The Supreme Court Case Uniting Pro-Lifers & Pro-Choicers
Emily Shire
December 3, 2014
But Huntsman was one of the conservatives who signed the Supreme Court amicus brief against Prop 8.
Prop 8’s Conservative Fans: Where Are They Now?
Sally Kohn
June 28, 2014
Nearly 60 new Republican notables have signed an amicus brief filed to the Supreme Court today in support of the freedom to marry.
The Pro-Freedom Republicans Are Coming: 131 Sign Gay-Marriage Brief
John Avlon
February 28, 2013
It's why this amicus brief is gaining signatures every day and why the party of individual freedom can give voice to gay equality.
David Frum: Why I Signed the Republican Brief Supporting Gay Marriage
David Frum
February 27, 2013
With this amicus brief, support in the GOP for same-sex marriage rights has jumped a generational divide.
David Frum: Why I Signed the Republican Brief Supporting Gay Marriage
David Frum
February 27, 2013

Historical Examples of amicus

I have no business here, except as what the lawyers call Amicus curiæ.
Perlycross
R. D. Blackmore
To this humiliating position, Professor von Mach as amicus curiæ consigns his great nation.
The Evidence in the Case
James M. Beck
The second letter, signed Amicus, in Number 107, was from an unknown correspondent.
The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., in Nine Volumes, Volume the Second
Samuel Johnson
Amicus Plato, magis amica veritas; Teufelsdrockh is our friend, Truth is our divinity.
Sartor Resartus
Thomas Carlyle
Well then, I shall call him as amicus curiae; and the defendant's counsel can cross-examine him.
Hard Cash
Charles Reade