quantum meruit

noun | \ ˈkwän-təm-ˈmer-u̇-it, -yu̇- \ | quan·tum me·ru·it

1. : a claim or count grounded on an implied contract that the defendant would pay the plaintiff as much as deserved for services or materials provided; specifically : a count in a common-law action for assumpsit claiming payment of the value of labor provided : a count in a common-law action for assumpsit claiming payment of the value of labor provided

2. : a theory or doctrine that permits recovery by a party for services or materials provided despite the absence of an express contract when they were accepted and used by the defendant under circumstances which gave reasonable notice that the plaintiff expected to be paid for them — compare unjust enrichment