LEGALLY
legally
(adverb) in a legal manner; “he acted legally”
legally, lawfully, de jure
(adverb) by law; conforming to the law; “we are lawfully wedded now”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adverb
legally (comparative more legally, superlative most legally)
As permitted by law; not contrary to law.
From a legal perspective.
Usage notes
• Adjectives to which "legally" is often applied: binding, required, responsible, bound, married, entitled, possible, protected, enforceable, authorized, obligated, valid, invalid, registered, qualified, permitted, defined, mandated, dead, insane, blind, correct, prescribed, obliged, defensible, separated, divorced, wrong, effective, armed, incorporated, impossible.
Antonyms
• (as permitted by law): illegally
Source: Wiktionary
Le"gal*ly, adv.
Definition: In a legal manner.
LEGAL
Le"gal, a. Etym: [L. legalis, fr. lex, legis, law; prob. orig., that
which lies or is fixed (cf. L. lectus bed), and if so akin to E. lie,
law: cf. F. légal. Cf. Lie to be prostrate, Loyal, Leal.]
1. Created by, permitted by, in conformity with, or relating to, law;
as, a legal obligation; a legal standard or test; a legal procedure;
a legal claim; a legal trade; anything is legal which the laws do not
forbid.
2. (Theol.)
(a) According to the law of works, as distinguished from free grace;
or resting on works for salvation.
(b) According to the old or Mosaic dispensation; in accordance with
the law of Moses
3. (Law)
Definition: Governed by the rules of law as distinguished from the rules of
equity; as, legal estate; legal assets. Bouvier. Burrill. Legal cap.
See under Cap.
– Legal tender. (a) The act of tendering in the performance of a
contract or satisfaction of a claim that which the law prescribes or
permits, and at such time and place as the law prescribes or permits.
(b) That currency, or money, which the law authorizes a debtor to
tender and requires a creditor to receive. It differs in different
countries.
Syn.
– Lawful; constitutional; legitimate; licit; authorized. See
Lawful.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition