Defender of the Faith, a title conferred in 1521 on Henry VIII. by Pope Leo X. as a reward for writing his Assertio septem Sacramentorum, in answer to Luther. The title was afterwards confirmed by parliament (35 Henry VIII. chap. 3), and has ever since been used by the sovereigns of this country. The corresponding title in Spain is 'Most Catholic,' and in France was 'Most Christian King.'
Defender of the Faith
Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Volume 3: Catarrh to Dion, p. 730
Source scan(s): p. 0741