cy pres

cy pres  (s pr)

n.

The legal doctrine that allows a court freedom in interpreting the terms of a will or gift if carrying out the terms literally would be impracticable or illegal. At the same time, the general intent of the testator or donor is supposed to be observed as closely as possible.

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[Middle English, from Anglo-Norman : cy, so, as (from Latin sc, so; see sic¹) + pres, near (from Late Latin press, close to, from Latin pressus; see press¹).]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

cy pres - a rule that when literal compliance is impossible the intention of a donor or testator should be carried out as nearly as possible cy pres doctrine, rule of cy pres rule, regulation - a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior; "it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast"; "short haircuts were the regulation"