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



RESET




Word of the Day

3 May 2024

TWIST

(verb) practice sophistry; change the meaning of or be vague about in order to mislead or deceive; “Don’t twist my words”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

The word “coffee” entered the English language in 1582 via the Dutch “koffie,” borrowed from the Ottoman Turkish “kahve,” borrowed in turn from the Arabic “qahwah.” The Arabic word qahwah was traditionally held to refer to a type of wine.

coffee icon