open 1 adj
1: exposed to general view or knowledge: free from concealment
an open, notorious, continuous, and adverse use of the property
an open and obvious danger
◇ When a defect, hazard, or condition is open such that a reasonable person under the circumstances should have recognized the danger posed by it, a defendant is usu. relieved of liability for failure to warn.
2: not restricted to a particular group or category of participants; specif: enterable by a registered voter regardless of political affiliation
an open primary
3 a: being in effect or operation
an open mine
a bench warrant still open
b: available for use
an open toll road
c: not finally determined, decided, or settled: subject to further consideration
an open question
d: remaining effective or available for use until canceled
an open insurance contract
4: not repressed or regulated by legal controls
a state with open gambling
open 2 vb opened, open·ing
vt
1: to begin the process of
open the succession
2 a: to make the statement by which the trial of (a case) is begun and put before the court
b: to be the first to speak in summing up or arguing (a case)
3: to restore or recall (as an order, rule, or judgment) from a finally determined state to a state in which the parties are free to prosecute or oppose by further proceedings
vi
1: to begin action: commence on some course or activity
the stock open ed at par
2: to begin the trial of a case
defendant...has the option of presenting an opening statement immediately after plaintiff open s — J. H. Friedenthal et al.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.