cy pres
or cy·pres
[ see-prey ]
/ ˈsi ˈpreɪ /
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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.
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Origin of cy pres
1475–85; <Anglo-French: literally, as near (compare French si près)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use cy pres in a sentence
To whom Saladine answered: we be marchaunts of Cypres trauailing to Paris, about our businesse.
The Palace of Pleasure|William Painter
British Dictionary definitions for cy pres
cy pres
/ (siː ˈpreɪ) /
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
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