contra proferentem
Defined in 4 dictionaries — Case Law, Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910), Black's (1891)
Definitions from Case Law
From 292 U.S. 80 - Aschenbrenner v. United States Fidelity & Guaranty Co. · 1934Most cited · 378 citing opinions
The phraseology of contracts of insurance is that chosen by the insurer and the contract in fixed form is tendered to the prospective policyholder who is often without technical training, and who rarely accepts it with a lawyer at his elbow. So if its language is reasonably open to two constructions, that more favorable to the insured will be adopted
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Against the party who proffers or puis forward a thing.
Defined under Contra in Black's Law Dictionary.
A Dictionary of Law
Henry Campbell Black · 1891
Against the party who proffers or puts forward a thing.