ordinance

or·di·nance

noun \ˈȯrd-nən(t)s, ˈȯr-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

Related to ORDINANCE

Synonyms

act, bill, constitution, enactment, law, statute

Related Words

command, commandment, decree, dictate, directive, edict, fiat, ruling; bylaw, ground rule, regulation, rule; amendment, legislation; common law, martial law; blue law; prohibition, proscription, restriction; canon, capitulary, encyclical

Near Antonyms

higher law

See Synonym Discussion at law

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi