noscitur a sociis

noun

no·​sci·​tur a so·​ci·​is
ˈnō-si-tər-ˌā-ˈsō-sē-yəs, ˈnō-skē-ˌtu̇r-ˌä-ˈsō-kē-ˌēs
: a doctrine or rule of construction: the meaning of an unclear or ambiguous word (as in a statute or contract) should be determined by considering the words with which it is associated in the context

Word History

Etymology

Latin, it is known by its associates

Dictionary Entries Near noscitur a sociis

Cite this Entry

“Noscitur a sociis.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/noscitur%20a%20sociis. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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