law
law · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
The system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members.
- 2.
A particular rule or set of rules.
- 3.
The legal profession or legal system as a field of study or work.
- 4.
A statement of fact describing a natural or scientific phenomenon.
- 5.
A general principle or rule.
Forms
plural: laws
Phrases & expressions
- •the law — The police (informal).
- •take the law into one's own hands — Act outside the legal system.
- •above the law — Not subject to legal restraints.
- •lay down the law — Give authoritative orders.
- •letter of the law — The literal interpretation.
- •the law of the jungle — A situation where the strongest survive.
- •law and order — The enforcement of laws and maintenance of public order.
- •be a law unto oneself — Act independently without regard for rules.
Related words
Etymology
From Old English lagu ("law, regulation"), from Old Norse lǫg (plural of lag, "layer, something laid down"), from Proto-Germanic lagą. Related to "lay" and "lie." The concept is of rules "laid down."