loco parentis

[Latin, The place of a parent.] A description of the relationship that an adult or an institution assumes toward an infant or minor of whom the adult is not a parent but to whom the adult or institution owes the obligation of care and supervision.

The term is usually designated in loco parentis.

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loco parentis adverb as a substitute for a parent, as an alternative for a parent, in place of a parent, instead of a parent

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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.