1. a friend or friendly associate; used chiefly in the phrase 'amicus curiae'
Usage: Latin origin; primarily used in legal contexts; most common in the phrase 'amicus curiae' (friend of the court)
2. in law, a person or organization not party to a case but permitted to offer information or argument to assist the court
Usage: legal term; short for 'amicus curiae'

Examples

• The organization filed an amicus brief to support the plaintiff's position.
• Several environmental groups served as amicus in the landmark pollution case.
• An amicus curiae may provide expert testimony or legal arguments.
• The court invited amicus submissions from interested parties.
• As an amicus, the nonprofit could present its perspective without being a defendant.