Closest friend or relative; (later, Law) a person acting for an infant, for someone lacking the mental capability to act for themselves, or for a married woman.
Origin
Old English; earliest use found in King Alfred (c848–899), king of the West Saxons and of the Anglo-Saxons.
Definition of next friend in US English:
next friend
noun
Closest friend or relative; (later, Law) a person acting for an infant, for someone lacking the mental capability to act for themselves, or for a married woman.
Origin
Old English; earliest use found in King Alfred (c848–899), king of the West Saxons and of the Anglo-Saxons.