legal

le-gal · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Permitted by law; lawful.

  2. 2.

    Relating to the law or lawyers.

  3. 3.

    Recognized by law rather than by equity.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    legal action — Formal proceedings in a court of law.
  • •
    legal age — The age at which a person gains full legal rights.
  • •
    legal tender — Currency that must be accepted for payment.
  • •
    legal eagle — A skilled lawyer (informal).
  • •
    legal aid — Free legal assistance for those who cannot afford it.
  • •
    legal system — The framework of laws and courts in a country.

Related words

Antonyms: illegal, illicit, unlawful
See also: illegal, law, lawful, lawyer, legitimate
Synonyms: authorized, lawful, legitimate, permitted

Etymology

From Latin legalis ("relating to the law"), from lex, legis ("law"). Related to "legislation," "legitimate," and "legislature." First used in English in the early 16th century.