Main Entry: stat·ute

Pronunciation: \ˈsta-(ˌ)chüt, -chət\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French estatut, from Late Latin statutum law, regulation, from Latin, neuter of statutus, past participle of statuere to set up, station, from status position, state

Date: 14th century

1 : a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government
2 : an act of a corporation or of its founder intended as a permanent rule
3 : an international instrument setting up an agency and regulating its scope or authority

synonyms see law