Quantum meruit
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910), Bouvier (1839)
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
As much as he deserved.
In pleading. The common count in an action of assumpsit for work and labor, founded on an implied assumpsit or promise on the part of the defendant to pay the plaintiff os much as he reasonably deserved to have for his labor. 3 Bl. Comm. 161; 1 Tidd, Pr. 2.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
John Bouvier · 1839
pleading. As much as he has deserved. When a person employs another to do work for him, without any agreement as to his compensation, the law implies a promise from the employer to the workman that he will pay him for his services, as much as he may deserve or merit. In such case the plaintiff may suggest in his declaration that the defendant promised to pay him as much as he reasonably deserved, and then aver that his trouble was worth such a sum of money, which the defendant has omitted to pay. This is called an assumpsit on a quantum meruit. 3 Bl. Com. 162, 3; 1 Vin. Ab. 346; 2 Phil. Ev. 82. When there is an express contract for a stipulated amount and mode of compensation for services, the plaintiff may abandon the contract and resort to an action for a quantum meruit on an implied assumpsit. 18 John. R. 169; 14 John. R. 326; 10 Serg. & Rawle, 236. Sed vide 7 Cranch, 299; Stark. R. 277; S. C. Holt's N. P. 236; 10 John. Rep. 36; 12 John. R. 374; 13 John. R. 56, 359; 14 John. R. 326.