In terms of land description, what do 'metes' refer to?

In land description, 'metes' refers specifically to the distances that are measured when delineating a property. This term originates from the word 'mete,' which means to measure. In real estate, metes are typically used in conjunction with 'bounds,' which refer to the physical boundaries or markers of a property. Therefore, when describing a parcel of land, metes provide the precise measurements indicating how long each segment of the property's boundary is.

For example, a legal description might state that the property runs a certain distance north, then turns at a certain angle before continuing a specific distance east. The distances, measured in feet or meters, are the 'metes' in this description. This usage is critical in ensuring that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the property's dimensions, thus preventing disputes about land boundaries.