break-bulk

(brāk'bŭlk')
adj.
Having, being, or related to shipments of goods packed in small, separable units.

Refers to a doctrine whereby a bailee could be charged with larceny by trespass if he opened a chest, parcel, or case containing goods entrusted to his care and converted some to his own use; the trespass necessary for larceny was complete even if the goods were not in a container but were themselves delivered in bulk provided that the bailee separated only a portion of the goods entrusted to him. If he converted all of the goods, there was, however, no breaking bulk and hence no trespass and no larceny. Perkins & Boyce, Criminal Law 320-321 (3rd ed. 1982).

This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)