Home US English pro bono publico

Definition of pro bono publico in English:

pro bono publico

Pronunciation /ˌprəʊ ˌbəʊnəʊ ˈpʊblɪkəʊ/

adverb

Law

  • For the public good, now usually with the implication of no financial recompense. Also occasionally attributive or as adjective Compare "pro bono [adjective]".

    Also used on an open letter to a newspaper in place of the author's name.

Origin

Mid 17th century; earliest use found in Henry Parker (1604–1652), political writer. From post-classical Latin pro bono publico for the public good from classical Latin prō + bonō, ablative of bonum, use as noun of neuter of bonus + pūblicō, ablative of pūblicus.