California CodesCode of Civil Procedure - CCPPreliminary ProvisionsSection 16
Words and phrases are construed according to the context and the approved usage of the language; but technical words and phrases, and such others as have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law, or are defined in the succeeding section, are to be construed according to such peculiar and appropriate meaning or definition.
Notes
Requires words and phrases to be construed according to context and approved language usage, except technical terms and phrases, terms with a peculiar and appropriate legal meaning, and terms defined in the succeeding provision. Those excepted terms must instead be construed according to their peculiar legal meaning or stated definition.
Use as reference
Lexinter.net | California Code, Code of Civil Procedure - CCP § 16 | https://laws.lexinter.net/codes/california/code-of-civil-procedure/preliminary-provisions/section-16