metes and bounds

[ meets ]

plural noun

1. the boundaries or limits of a piece of land.

Word History and Origins

Origin of metes and bounds¹

1275–1325; late Middle English; translation of Anglo-French metes et boundes. See mete ², bound ³

Example Sentences

But country stations still retain a significant gatekeeping power, elevating favored performers and mediating the genre’s metes and bounds for audiences and the industry at large.

From New York Times

This, he wrote, was such a case: “It is every individual’s obligation to confront the current siege in Gaza, but it is also this Court’s obligation to remain within the metes and bounds of its jurisdictional scope.”

From New York Times

As though fostering the robust exchange of ideas, innovative problem-solving, and developing students equipped to lead in a multi-racial democracy, is legitimate only when subject to metes and bounds and a forecast due date, lest we, as a democracy, miss more pressing engagements.

From Slate

Portuguese Bend residents generally favor a system more in tune with metes and bounds, a mapping method that uses physical landmarks such as trees, walls and roads to measure parcels.

From Los Angeles Times

“Perhaps, although the lack of clarity about the metes and bounds of the restricted area and the Vice President’s movements on January 6th undermine this argument.”

From Seattle Times