ordinance
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or·di·nance

noun \ˈrd-nən(t)s, ˈr-də-nən(t)s\

Definition of ORDINANCE

1
a : an authoritative decree or direction : order
b : a law set forth by a governmental authority; specifically : a municipal regulation
2
: something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity
3
: a prescribed usage, practice, or ceremony

Examples of ORDINANCE

  1. The town has passed a zoning ordinance limiting construction.
  2. <a local ordinance forbids all street parking during snowstorms>

Origin of ORDINANCE

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French ordenance order, disposition, from Medieval Latin ordinantia, from Latin ordinant-, ordinans, present participle of ordinare to put in order — more at ordain
First Known Use: 14th century

Other Legal Terms

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