noscitur a sociis
Defined in 4 dictionaries — Case Law, Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Stimson (1881)
Definitions from Case Law
From 367 U.S. 303 - Jarecki v. G. D. Searle & Co. · 1961Most cited · 994 citing opinions
The maxim noscitur a sociis, that a word is known by the company it keeps, while not an inescapable rule, is often wisely applied where a word is capable of many meanings in order to avoid the giving of unintended breadth to the Acts of Congress.
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
It is known from its associates. The meaning of a word may be ascertained by reference to the meaning of words associated with it. Broom, Leg. Max. (3d London Ed.) 623; 9 East, 267; 13 East, 531; 6 Taunt. 294; 1 Vent. 225; 1 Barn. & C. 644; Arg. 10 Barn. & C. 496, 519; 18 C. B. 102, 893; 5 Man. & G. 639, 667; 3 C. B. 437; 5 C. B. 380; 4 Exch. 511, 519; 5 Exch. 294; 11 Exch. 113; 3 Term R. 87; 8 Term R. 118; 1 N. Y. 47, 69; 11 Barb. (N. Y.) 43, 63; 20 Barb. (N. Y.) 644.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Glossary of Technical Terms, Phrases, and Maxims of the Common Law
Frederic Jesup Stimson · 1881
I. [He] it The meaning of a word may the words associated with it.