ejusdem generis
ejusdem generis (ee-j[schwa]s-d[schwa]m jen-[schwa]-ris also ee-joos- or ee-yoos-). [Latin “of the same kind or class”] A canon of construction that when a general word or phrase follows a list of specifics, the general word or phrase will be interpreted to include only items of the same type as those listed. • For example, in the phrase horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, or any other farm animal, the general language or any other farm animal — despite its seeming breadth — would probably be held to include only four-legged, hoofed mammals typically found on farms, and thus would exclude chickens. — Also spelled eiusdem generis. — Also termed ejusdem generis rule; Lord Tenterden’s rule. Cf. EXPRESSIO UNIUS EST EXCLUSIO ALTERIUS; NOSCITUR A SOCIIS; RULE OF RANK. [Cases: Contracts 156; Statutes 194. C.J.S. Contracts § 328; Statutes § 329.]
