cy-pres 
cy-pres
Definition
cy·-pres (sē′prā′, sī′-)
adjective, adverb
Law as near(ly) as possible: designating or according to an equitable doctrine for the interpretation of legal instruments having specific terms which cannot be carried out literally, whereby the court attempts to reform the instrument in accordance with the general intent of the settlor, testator, etc. rather than allow it to fail
Etymology: Late Anglo-Fr < OFr si pres, so nearly < L sic, so + presse, adv. of pressus, pp. of premere, press
noun
the cy-pres doctrine
cy pres
Law Definition
n
French
As near as. The
equitable doctrine that a deed or will whose terms cannot be carried out may be
modified by a court so that the intent of the instruments maker can be
fulfilled as closely as possible.
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