noun plural
Etymology: translation of Anglo-French metes et boundes
1. : the boundaries or limits of a tract of land ; specifically : the boundaries of land established by reference to natural or artificial monuments along it (as a stream, ditch, fence, road) as distinguished from those established by beginning at a fixed starting point and running therefrom by stated compass courses and stated distances — compare butts and bounds
2. : established limits
rules formulated by the Supreme Court in setting the metes and bounds of freedom of religion — E.S.Newman