First Known Use: circa 1500
Dictionary
1legal
adjective le·gal \ˈlē-gəl\
: of or relating to the law
: based on the law
: allowed by the law or by the rules in a game
Full Definition of LEGAL
1
: of or relating to law
2
3
: conforming to or permitted by law or established rules
4
: recognized or made effective by a court of law as distinguished from a court of equity
5
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the profession of law or of one of its members
6
: created by the constructions of the law <a legal fiction>
— le·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adverb
See legal defined for English-language learners
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Origin of LEGAL
Anglo-French, from Latin legalis, from leg-, lex law
Related to LEGAL
- Synonyms
- lawful, legit [slang], legitimate, licit
Synonym Discussion of LEGAL
lawful, legal, legitimate, licit mean being in accordance with law. lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (as natural, divine, common, or canon) <the lawful sovereign>. legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts <legal residents of the state>. legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards <a perfectly legitimate question about taxes>. licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law <the licit use of drugs by doctors>.
Other Legal Terms
2legal
noun
Definition of LEGAL
: one that conforms to rules or the law
First Known Use of LEGAL
1526
Other Legal Terms
LEGAL[1] Defined for Kids
legal
adjective le·gal \ˈlē-gəl\
Definition of LEGAL for Kids
1
: of or relating to law or lawyers <legal books>
2
: based on law <a legal right>
3
: allowed by law or rules <legal conduct> <a legal play in a game>
— le·gal·ly adverb
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