Dictionary of troublesome word. Bill Bryson. 2013.
lawful, legal — In many contexts the words can be used interchangeably, but not always. Lawful means permissible under the law ( lawful behavior, lawful protest ). Legal has that meaning plus the additional sense of relating to the law, as in legal system and … Dictionary of troublesome word
lawful — lawful, legal, legitimate, licit mean permitted, sanctioned, or recognized by law or the law. Lawful differs from the others in implying a reference to various sorts of law (as divine law, natural law, or the law of the land, or as civil law,… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
legal - lawful - legitimate — ◊ legal and lawful Legal and lawful both mean allowed by law . Lawful is a formal word. Talks have begun for legal retirement at 60. Capital punishment is legal in many countries … Useful english dictionary
Lawful — Law ful, a. 1. Conformable to law; allowed by law; legitimate; competent. [1913 Webster] 2. Constituted or authorized by law; rightful; as, the lawful owner of lands. [1913 Webster] {Lawful age}, the age when the law recognizes one s right of… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Lawful age — Lawful Law ful, a. 1. Conformable to law; allowed by law; legitimate; competent. [1913 Webster] 2. Constituted or authorized by law; rightful; as, the lawful owner of lands. [1913 Webster] {Lawful age}, the age when the law recognizes one s right … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
legal age — Lawful Law ful, a. 1. Conformable to law; allowed by law; legitimate; competent. [1913 Webster] 2. Constituted or authorized by law; rightful; as, the lawful owner of lands. [1913 Webster] {Lawful age}, the age when the law recognizes one s right … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
lawful — adjective Date: 14th century 1. a. being in harmony with the law < a lawful judgment > b. constituted, authorized, or established by law ; rightful < lawful institutions > 2. law abiding < lawful citizens > • … New Collegiate Dictionary
lawful — law·ful adj 1 a: being in harmony with the law a lawful judgment a lawful purpose b: constituted, authorized, or established by law a lawful duty 2: law abiding … Law dictionary
lawful — Legal; warranted or authorized by the law; having the qualifications prescribed by law; not contrary to nor forbidden by the law; not illegal. The principal distinction between the terms lawful and legal is that the former contemplates the… … Black's law dictionary
lawful — Legal; warranted or authorized by the law; having the qualifications prescribed by law; not contrary to nor forbidden by the law; not illegal. The principal distinction between the terms lawful and legal is that the former contemplates the… … Black's law dictionary
