in loco parentis

Persons who stood in loco parentis to the insured for at least one year prior to his entry into active military service were included within the Act's definition of 'parent.' And they qualified as takers by devolution if they 'last bore that relationship' to the insured, an essential statutory condition to preclude the parceling out of proceeds among a series of transient hosts and to assure full benefits to those most likely to merit the insured's financial support.

Defined by the Supreme Court in - United States v. Henning, 344 U.S. 66 (1952).

In the place of a parent; instead of a parent; charged, factitiously, with a parent’s rights, duties, and responsibilities. In majore summa continetur minor.,, 5 Coke, 115. In the greater sum is contained the less.