An act or condition not directly expressed but inferred from other acts or conditions. Constructing or tending to construct; helping to improve;promoting further development or advancement . That which takes on a character as a consequence of the way it is treated by a rule or policy of law, as opposed to its actual character. For example, possession of the key to a safe-deposit box is constructive possession of the contents of the box since the key gives its holder power and control over the contents.