cy-pres Hear it!

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
Also cy pres

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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