[boh-nah fee-des; Eng. boh-nuh fahy-deez or, especially for 2, boh-nuh-fahydz, bon-uh] 
| 1. | (italics ) Latin. (used with a singular verb) good faith; absence of fraud or deceit; the state of being exactly as claims or appearances indicate: The bona fides of this contract is open to question. Compare mala fides. |
| 2. | (sometimes italics) (used with a plural verb) the official papers, documents, or other items that prove authenticity, legitimacy, etc., as of a person or enterprise; credentials: All our bona fides are on file with the SEC. |