1. A principle allowing variation from a term of a will or trust to avoid defeating the document’s purpose.
2. A principle allowing an agent’s activity to vary slightly from the scope of the principal’s permission.
3. Maritime law. The rule that a carrier loses the benefit of its limitations and exemptions under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act if a deviation from the terms of the bill of lading is unreasonable, but does not if it is reasonable. [Cases: Insurance 3059. C.J.S. Insurance § 768.]
