alternative
1 : alternate 2 : offering or expressing a choice [an contract] see also
alternative pleading at
pleading 3 : existing or functioning outside the established system
;also : different from the usual or conventional [ sentencing]
n
1 : a proposition or situation offering a choice between two or more things only one of which may be chosen
2 a : one of two or more things, courses, or propositions to be chosen
b : something which can be chosen instead
in the alternative 1 : for or as an alternative [asked for specific performance, or
in the alternative, damages of $20,000] [a new trial may be asked for
in the alternative]
2 : in such a way that offers a choice [relief
in the alternative…may be demanded "
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 8(a)"] [plead
in the alternative]