intendment

[ in-tend-muhnt ]

noun

1. Law. the true or correct meaning of something.
2. intention; design; purpose.

intendment

/ ɪnˈtɛndmənt /

noun

1. the meaning of something as fixed or understood by the law
2. obsolete.
   intention, design, or purpose

Word History and Origins

Origin of intendment¹

1350–1400; intend + -ment; replacing Middle English entendement < Middle French < Medieval Latin intendimentum

Example Sentences

In the old times the Supreme Court found no difficulty in supporting slavery by "inference," by "intendment," but now that liberty has become national, the Court is driven to less than a literal interpretation.

From Project Gutenberg

In the technical language of English law the fee-simple of the glebe is said to be in abeyance, that is, it exists “only in the remembrance, expectation and intendment of the law.”

From Project Gutenberg

Our terrestrial organizations are but far-off approaches to so fair a model, and all they are verily traitors who resist not any attempt to divert them from this their original intendment.

From Project Gutenberg

Other differences cropped up as to the phraseology of the Wilson Resolution and its legal intendment.

From Project Gutenberg

"It is a general rule that, in regard to offences created by statutes, it is necessary that the defendant be brought within all the material words of the statute; and nothing can be taken by intendment."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ambition
• aspiration
• desire
• determination
• direction
• function
• goal
• idea
• intent
• objective
• plan
• principle
• project
• reason
• scheme
• scope
• view
• wish