A next friend; a person who is entitled to act on behalf of an infant, a person lacking the mental capability to act for themselves, or a married woman (now chiefly US).
Origin
Late 15th century. From Anglo-Norman prochein ami person who is entitled to act on behalf of an infant in litigation from prochain + ami.
Definition of prochain ami in US English:
prochain ami
(also prochein amy, prochein ami)
noun
A next friend; a person who is entitled to act on behalf of an infant, a person lacking the mental capability to act for themselves, or a married woman (now chiefly US).
Origin
Late 15th century. From Anglo-Norman prochein ami person who is entitled to act on behalf of an infant in litigation from prochain + ami.