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Whereas

Defined in 4 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910), Anderson (1889)

The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary

Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922

This word implies a recital, and, in general, cannot be used in the direct and positive averment of a fact in a declaration or plea. Those facts which are directly denied by the terms of the general issue, or which may, by the established usage of pleading, be specially traversed, must be averred in positive and direct terms; but facts, however material, which are not directly denied by the terms of the general issue, though liable to be contested under it, and which, according to the usage of pleading, cannot be specially traversed, may be alleged in the declaration by way of recital, under a whereas. Gould, PI. c. 43, § 42; Id. c. 3, § 47; Bac. Abr. "Pleas, etc." (B 5, 4); 2 Chit. PI. 151, 178, 191.

Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia

John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914

This word implies a recital, and, in general, cannot be used in the direct and positive averment of a fact in a declaration or plea. Those facts which are directly denied by the terms of the general issue, or which may, by the established usage of pleading, be specially traversed, must be averred in positive and direct terms; but facts, however material, which are not directly denied by the terms of the general issue, though liable to be contested under it, and which, according to the usage of pleading, cannot be specially traversed, may be alleged in the declaration by way of recital, under a whereas; 2 Chitty, PI. 151, 178, 191.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

A word which implies a recital of a past fact. The word "whereas," when it renders the deed senseless or repugnant, may be struck out as impertinent, and shall not vitiate a deed in other respects sensible.

A Dictionary of Law

William C. Anderson · 1889

Involving recital, cannot be used where direct, positive averment is required; as, in pleadings, q. v. See also Becital.