Missouri § 140.180 - Lawful abbreviations.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 140.180 — Lawful abbreviations., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 140.180. Lawful abbreviations.
1. In all advertisements, notices, lists, records, certificates, deeds or other papers, required to be made by or under any of the provisions of this chapter, it shall be lawful to use letters, figures and characters, as follows:
(1) Letters may be used to denote township, range, boundaries, parts of section, parts of lots or blocks, or other subdivisions of real estate, in the following manner: "T" for township, "R" for range, "L" for lot, "B" for block, "N" for north, "E" for east, "S" for south and "W" for west, or any combination or combinations of the four last mentioned letters to denote parts of sections, lots, blocks, or other subdivisions of real property;
(2) Figures may be used as may be requisite to state any number required, whether it be of township, range, survey, section, block, lot or part thereof, acres or fractions thereof, date of any kind, amount of taxes, interest or costs, or any other matter or thing which may be stated or given in figures;
(3) Characters, such as ("), or the words "do", or "ditto", or "same", may be used to denote continuation of township, range, years, tax due or other dates and when either shall be so used, shall be deemed and held to denote the same as shall stand next above in the column in which any such character or word shall be so placed.
2. Any and all descriptions of real estate made under the provisions of this chapter by the use of letters, figures and characters, as provided in this section, when so made that the land or lot may be identified and located, shall be deemed and held to be good, valid and complete, as though the same had been written out in full.
3. Dates of valuation and taxation, taxes, interest, costs, acres, blocks or lots, or any fractions thereof, or any other number or amount, when stated in figures, letters or characters, as herein provided, shall be deemed and held to be fully and fairly stated, as though the same had been written out in full.
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(RSMo 1939 § 11212)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 9978; 1919 § 12968; 1909 § 11520
---- end of effective 28 Aug 1939 ----
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Effective dates prior to 1940 may not be the actual effective date. See FAQ 'When do laws become effective?'
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 140.180
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 140.180 cover?
Section 140.180 ("Lawful abbreviations.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 140.180?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 140.180" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 140.180 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.