Ejusdem generis

Defined in 7 dictionaries — Case Law, Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910), Kinney (1893), Anderson (1889), Stimson (1881), Burrill (1850)

Definitions from Case Law

From 312 U.S. 86 - United States v. Gilliland · 1941Most cited · 824 citing opinions

The rule of 'ejusdem generis' is applied as an aid in ascertaining the intention of the Legislature, not to subvert it when ascertained.

Show all 8 Supreme Court definitions and how they changed over time 1869–1963

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

Of the same nature or kind. See 112 Minn. 52, 21 Ann. Cas. 679, 30 L. R. A. (N. S.) 335, 127 N. W. 444. Ejusdem negotii. Of the same transaction.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

Of the same kind, class or nature. In statutory construction, the "ejusdem generis rule" is that where general words follow an enumeration of persons or things, by words of a particular and specific meaning, such general words are not to be construed in their widest extent, but are to be held as applying only to persons or things of the same general kind or class as those specifically mentioned. Black, Interp. Laws, 141; Co.tshaw v. Denver, 19 Colo. App. 341, 75 Pac. 22; Ex parte Le-land, 1 Nott & McC. (S. C.) 462; Spalding . People, 172 In. 40, 49 N. E. 993.

A Law Dictionary and Glossary

George C. Kinney · 1893

I. Of the same kind or nature. Ejusdem negotii: of the same transaction.

A Dictionary of Law

William C. Anderson · 1889

Of the same kind or nature; of the same class. In the construction of statutes, contracts, and other instruments, where an enumeration of specific things is followed by a general word or phrase, the latter is held to refer to things of the same kind as those specified.« See General, 6; Inferior, 3; Other; Vbhiclb.

Glossary of Technical Terms, Phrases, and Maxims of the Common Law

Frederic Jesup Stimson · 1881

I. Of the same nature. Ejusdem negotii: of the same transaction.

A New Law Dictionary and Glossary

Alexander M. Burrill · 1850

Lat. Of the same kind or nature. 1 Powell on Devises, 609, note. 1 Atk. 462. Sudden's Law of Prop. 220, 222.