next friend

noun

, Law.

1. a person other than a duly appointed guardian who acts on behalf of an infant or other person not fully qualified by law to act on their own behalf.

next friend

noun

1. law (formerly) a person acting on behalf of an infant or other person under legal disability Official namelitigation friend

Word History and Origins

Origin of next friend¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English

Example Sentences

No single woman, having been seduced, has any remedy at common law; neither has her mother nor next friend.

From Project Gutenberg

The husband, too, has his separate interests, and too often his "next friend" is his neighbor's wife.

From Project Gutenberg

The wife has her separate property and interests, which she manages with the aid of her "next friend."

From Project Gutenberg

Yet if a noted criminal came and sat down by her, she would probably whisper to her next friend, 'How shocking!'

From Project Gutenberg

Thus faithful Willie Kerr, somewhat harassed by the responsibilities of being next friend to a crown prince.

From Project Gutenberg