more or less

A phrase qualifying a statement of an absolute and definite amount, 46 Am J1st Sales § 155, for the purpose of providing against slight, accidental variations. M. W. Kellogg Co. v Standard Steel Fabricating Co. (CA10 Okla) 189 F2d 629, 26 ALR2d 1090. An expression used as an estimate of an otherwise designated quantity, to be interpreted broadly or narrowly according to the context in which it appears. 17 Am J2d Contr § 282. A term in a bill of lading leaving it open to the carrier to make a showing of the whole situation with respect to the quantity received for transportation and the quantity delivered, in determining the liability for deficiency at destination. Anno: 67 ALR2d 1043, § 5; 13 Am J2d Car § 283. Words, which, as applied to quantity of land, are intended to cover some slight or unimportant inaccuracy in description. 12 Am J2d Bound § 75. An expression used in connection with a designation of courses and distances in a boundary, to be disregarded if not controlled or explained by references to monuments, markers, or other expressions of intention, and to be given meaning and effect when so controlled and explained. Inglson v Olson, 199 Minn 422, 272 NW 270, 110 ALR 167; Sowles v Minot, 82 Vt 344, 73 A 1025. A term which, when included in a deed in describing the property conveyed according to a certain number of acres, serves to confine the land conveyed to land within boundaries designated in the description. 23 Am J2d Deeds § 240. There is no doubt of the general proposition that where the words "more or less" are used as an estimate of an otherwise designated quantity and the object of the parties is the sale or purchase of a particular lot, as a pile of wood or coal, the cargo of a particular ship, or a certain parcel of land, the words used in connection with the estimated quantity are susceptible of a broad construction, and the contract will be interpreted as applying to the particular lot or parcel, provided it is otherwise sufficiently identified. Pine River Logging & Improv. Co. v United States, 186 US 279, 46 L Ed 1164, 22 S Ct 920. If the agreement is to manufacture, furnish, or deliver certain property not then in existence, or to be taken from a larger quantity, the addition of the words "more or less" will be given a narrow construction and held to apply only to such accidental or immaterial variations in quantity as would naturally occur in connection with such a transaction. Pine River Logging & Improv. Co . v United States, 186 US 279, 46 L Ed 1164, 22 S Ct 920.