1. A rule that when literal compliance is impossible the intention of a donor or testator should be carried out as nearly as possible
   "The court applied the cy pres doctrine to redirect the funds to a similar charitable purpose"; "The court applied the rule of cy pres doctrine to redirect the funds to a similar charitable purpose";
   - rule of cy pres, cy pres doctrine

1. Large tropical American tree of the genus Cordia grown for its abundant creamy white flowers and valuable wood
   "cypre wood is prized for making fine furniture";
   - Spanish elm, Ecuador laurel, salmwood, princewood, Cordia alliodora

Type of: angiospermous tree, flowering tree, regulation, rule

Part of: Cordia, genus Cordia

Encyclopedia: Cy pres