Main Entry: prac·ti·cal construction
Function: noun
1 : the interpretation of the terms of a contract as shown by the performance of the parties that may be used by the court to help determine the intent of the parties; also : the doctrine that permits such a method of discerning intent —compare COURSE OF PERFORMANCE
2 : interpretation of a statute or document in a manner that does not defeat its purpose esp. when a strict interpretation would produce clearly unintended or absurd results