contemporaneous construction

An interpretation given at or near the time when a writing was prepared, usu. by one or more persons involved in its preparation. — Also termed practical construction; practical interpretation; contemporaneous and practical interpretation. See CONTEMPORANEOUS-CONSTRUCTION DOCTRINE. [Cases: Contracts 170; Statutes 218, 219(2). C.J.S. Contracts § 340; Statutes §§ 342, 344.]