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
a :  deriving authority from or founded on law :  de jure
b :  having a formal status derived from law often without a basis in actual fact :  titular <a corporation is a legal but not a real person>
c :  established by law; especially :  statutory
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
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Origin of LEGAL

Anglo-French, from Latin legalis, from leg-, lex law
First Known Use: circa 1500

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

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Rhymes with LEGAL

2legal

noun

Definition of LEGAL

:  one that conforms to rules or the law

First Known Use of LEGAL

1526

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi
LEGAL 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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