(Fidei Defensor), a peculiar title belonging to the sovereign of England; in the same way that Catholicus belongs to the king of Spain, and Christianissimus to the king of France. These titles were given by the popes of Rome. That of Fidel Defensor was first conferred by Leo X. on Henry VIII. for writing against Martin Luther; and the bull bestowing it bears date quinto idus Octob. 1521. This title was afterwards confirmed by Clement VII. But when Henry suppressed the religious houses at the time of the Reformation, the pope not only deprived him of the title, but also deposed him from his crown; but, in the thirty-fifth year of his reign, the title of "Defender of the Faith" was confirmed by parliament, and has continued to be used by all his successors on the English throne. Chamberlayne says the title belonged to the king of England before that time; and, in proof of his assertion, appeals to several charters granted to the University of Oxford; so that Pope Leo's bull was only a renovation of an ancient right.