cy pres

adv. & adj. Law as near as possible to the testator's or donor's intentions when these cannot be precisely followed.
Etymology: AF, = si pregraves so near

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noun

a rule that when literal compliance is impossible the intention of a donor or testator should be carried out as nearly as possible

• Syn: ↑rule of cy pres, ↑cy pres doctrine

• Hypernyms: ↑rule, ↑regulation

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\(ˈ)sē|prā\ adverb (or adjective)

Etymology: cy pres (doctrine)

: in accordance with cy pres doctrine

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/see" pray"/, Law.

1. as near as possible.

2. the doctrine, applied esp. 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.

Also, cypres.

[1475-85; < AF: lit., as near (cf. F si près)]

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cy pres /sē prā/ (law)

noun

The principle of applying the money donated to a charity, etc to some object as near as possible to the one specified by the donor or testator, when that itself is impracticable (also adverb and adjective)

ORIGIN: OFr, so near

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cy pres «SEE PRAY»,

Law. as nearly as possible (to the intent of a person who leaves a will or trust that cannot be executed literally).

╂[< Anglo-French cy pres, Old French si pres as near(ly) (as possible)]