Definitions for the word "law" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
In general, a rule of being or of conduct, established by an authority able to enforce its will; a controlling regulation; the mode or order according to which an agent or a power acts.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
In morals: The will of God as the rule for the disposition and conduct of all responsible beings toward him and toward each other; a rule of living, conformable to righteousness; the rule of action as obligatory on the conscience or moral nature.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
The Jewish or Mosaic code, and that part of Scripture where it is written, in distinction from the gospel; hence, also, the Old Testament.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
An organic rule, as a constitution or charter, establishing and defining the conditions of the existence of a state or other organized community.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
Any edict, decree, order, ordinance, statute, resolution, judicial, decision, usage, etc., or recognized, and enforced, by the controlling authority.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
In philosophy and physics: A rule of being, operation, or change, so certain and constant that it is conceived of as imposed by the will of God or by some controlling authority; as, the law of gravitation; the laws of motion; the law heredity; the laws of thought; the laws of cause and effect; law of self-preservation.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
In matematics: The rule according to which anything, as the change of value of a variable, or the value of the terms of a series, proceeds; mode or order of sequence.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
In arts, works, games, etc.: The rules of construction, or of procedure, conforming to the conditions of success; a principle, maxim; or usage; as, the laws of poetry, of architecture, of courtesy, or of whist.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
Collectively, the whole body of rules relating to one subject, or emanating from one source; -- including usually the writings pertaining to them, and judicial proceedings under them; as, divine law; English law; Roman law; the law of real property; insurance law.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
Legal science; jurisprudence; the principles of equity; applied justice.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
Trial by the laws of the land; judicial remedy; litigation; as, to go law.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
An oath, as in the presence of a court.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v. t.
Same as Lawe, v. t.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. interj.
An exclamation of mild surprise.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. n.
1 a rule enacted or customary in a community and recognized as commanding or forbidding certain actions. B body of such rules. 2 controlling influence of laws; respect for laws. 3 laws collectively as a social system or subject of study. 4 binding force (her word is law). 5 (prec. By the) a the legal profession. B colloq. The police. 6 (in pl.) Jurisprudence. 7 a the judicial remedy. B the lawcourts as providing this (go to law). 8 rule of action or procedure. 9 regularity in natural occurrences (laws of nature; law of gravity). 10 divine commandments. be a law unto oneself do what one considers right; disregard custom. Lay down the law be dogmatic or authoritarian. Take the law into one''s own hands redress a grievance by one''s own means, esp. By force. [old english from old norse, = thing laid down]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
16. slang
“to give LAW to an animal” is a sporting term signifying to give
the hare or stag a chance of escaping, by not setting on the hounds till
the quarry has run some distance. Also, used for giving any one a chance
of succeeding in a difficult undertaking by allowing him so much grace
or preliminary notice.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
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