First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
licit
adjective lic·it \ˈli-sət\
Definition of LICIT
: conforming to the requirements of the law : not forbidden by law : permissible
— lic·it·ly adverb
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Origin of LICIT
Middle French licite, from Latin licitus, from past participle of licēre to be permitted — more at license
Related to LICIT
- Synonyms
- lawful, legit [slang], legitimate, legal
Synonym Discussion of LICIT
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>.
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