Fidei Defensor

American  

[fee-de-ee de-fen-sohr, fahy-dee-ahy di-fen-sawr] / ˈfi dɛˌi dɛˈfɛn soʊr, ˈfaɪ diˌaɪ dɪˈfɛn sɔr /

noun

Latin.

1. Defender of the Faith: one of the titles of English sovereigns.

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Fidei Defensor British  

/ ˈfaɪdɪˌaɪ dɪˈfɛnsɔː /

noun

1. defender of the faith; a title given to Henry VIII by Pope Leo X, and appearing on Brit coins as FID DEF or FD

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Example Sentences

The legend "Victoria Dei Gratia Britanniarum Regina, Fidei Defensor" is variously arranged on the different coins, according to the exigencies of the design.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 601, July 9, 1887 by Various

On 2nd October it was formally presented in a consistory of cardinals; and, on the 11th, Leo promulgated his bull conferring on Henry his coveted title, "Fidei Defensor".

From Henry VIII. by Pollard, A. F. (Albert Frederick)

The fleur de lis and the word France were omitted from royal prerogatives and titles; and a proclamation was issued appointing the words Dei Gratia, Britaniarum Rex, Fidei Defensor.

From An Illustrated History of Ireland from AD 400 to 1800 by Cusack, Mary Frances

The English king, once again Fidei Defensor, bore the train in place of the old king of Spain, who, with the Austrian Emperor, alone of all European sovereigns, had preserved the unbroken continuity of faith.

From Lord of the World by Benson, Robert Hugh