cy pres

or cy·pres

[see prey]Law.

preposition

as near as possible.

noun

the doctrine, applied especially to cases of charitable trusts or donations, that, in place of an impossible or illegal condition, limitation, or object, allows the nearest practicable one to be substituted.

Origin of cy pres

1475–85; < Anglo-French: literally, as near (compare French si près)

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British Dictionary definitions for cy pres

cy pres

noun

law the doctrine that the intention of a donor or testator should be carried out as closely as practicable when literal compliance is impossible

Word Origin for cy pres

C15: from Anglo-French, literally: as near (as possible, etc)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012