from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
LOCO PARENTIS. In the place of a parent.
2. It is frequently important in cases of devises and bequests, to
ascertain whether the testator did or did not stand towards the devisee or
legatee, in loco parentis. In general, those who assume the parental
character may be considered as standing in that relation but this character
must clearly appear.
3. The fact of his so standing may be shown by positive proof, or the
express declarations of the testator in his will, or by circumstances; as,
when a grandfather; 2 Atk. 518; a brother; 1 B. & Beat. 298; or an uncle; 2
A. 492; takes an orphan child under his care, or supports him, he assumes
the office of a parent. The law places a master in loco parentis in relation
to his apprentice. See 2 Ashm. R. 178, 207; 2 Bouv. Inst. n. 2216.