noscitur a sociis (word is known by company it keeps)
words must be looked at in context and interpreted accordingly, involves looking at other words in same section of other sections of the act
Example - if a stature states it applied to cat baskets, toy mice, flea collars and food, under this rule a loaf of bread would not be within the remit of the statute
In the case of Muir V Keay, the purpose of licensing theatrical or musical entertainment did not fall within the words of the act covering houses 'for public refreshment, resort and entertainment', because the word 'entertainment' in the act referred to refreshment houses, receptions and accommodation of the public