Added 9 October 2026
lawful
/ˈlɔːfl̩/ adjective
In Latin: lēgitimus Wiktionary
adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about lawful at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
Conformable to or allowed by law.
lawful methods of dissent
- According to custom or rule or natural law.
-
Having a legally established claim.
the legitimate heir
Origin
From Middle English laweful, equivalent to law + -ful, conflated with Middle English leful, leeful, leveful (“according to law, lawful, pertaining to law”). See also leveful.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)