Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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DEFENSOR VINCULI

Latin term for "Defender of the Bond." He is the member of an ecclesiastical matrimonial court whose duty is to uphold the validity of a disputed marriage until sufficient evidence is given to prove its nullity. If he is not satisfied with the court's ruling, he must appeal to a higher tribunal.