Used in law, what does the Latin word "quasi" mean?

The word quasi is Latin for “as if” meaning, almost alike but not perfectly alike. In law, it is used as a prefix or an adjective to inform some measure of similarity with a critical difference. A quasi-item is not an accurate example of the item, but it is close to the item minus some critical elements of the item. For example, quasi-contract, a contract implied in law or an implied-in-law contract, there is a restitution obligation implied by law or equity to prevent unjust enrichment. It is not a formal contract, but it outlines implied obligations in situations where an entity acted unilaterally to make a binding obligation toward another. In contracts, there is mutual assent between parties to produce the obligation. However, there are no consents in quasi-contracts, and the obligation arises from the law or natural equity.

Source: Legal Information Institute