Operative Words
Defined in 5 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910), Black's (1891)
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
Those by which the purpose of an instrument is effected. Generally applied to those words in a deed by which an estate is passed, viz., "grant," "quitclaim," "demise," "bargain and sell," etc.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
In a deed, or lease, the words which effect the transaction of which the instrument is the evidence; the terms generally used in a lease are “demise and lease,” but any words clearly indicating an intention of making a present demise will suffice; Wms. R. P. 196; Bacon, Abr. (K) 161.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
A Dictionary of Law
Henry Campbell Black · 1891
in a deed or lease, arethe words which effect the transaction intended to be consummated by the instroment,