Legal Dictionary
Main Entry:
al·ter egoPronunciation:
'ol-t&r-'E-gOFunction:
nounEtymology: Latin, literally, second I
: second self;
especially : a person or entity vicariously liable for another (as an agent)
alter ego of the corporation —J. J. White and Railroad S. Summers> —compare INSTRUMENTALITY
NOTE: The concept of a legal alter ego is used primarily to hold the controlling parties of a corporation personally liable instead of limiting liability to the corporate entity.