<!-- official-source:start --> 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 may 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. (Enacted 1872.) <!-- official-source:end --> [California Legislative Information](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=13.&lawCode=CIV) - Official bulk export checked 2026-10-27T21:36:57.7010540Z.