‖ bona fides Law.
(ˈbəʊnə ˈfaɪdiːz)
[L. bona fidēs good faith.]
1. Good faith, freedom from intent to deceive.
| 1845 Penny Cycl. Supp. I. 214/1 Bona Fides is therefore opposed to fraud, and is a necessary ingredient in contracts. 1885 Law Reports XXIX. Chanc. Div. 468 It was said that this shewed bona fides on their part. |
¶ 2. Erroneously treated as pl. form of bona fide (assumed to be n. sing.): guarantees of good faith.
| 1944 N. & Q. CLXXXVI. 246/1, I notice in one of our best sellers the remark, ‘If Mina's bona fides are once questioned’. 1962 B. E. Wallace Device xxvii. 195 All strangers whose bona fides..are not completely verified must be immediately reported to your superior officer. |