unlaw
Definition of unlaw
1 : a violation of law : disregard of the restraints of law : illegality, lawlessness times of unlaw alternate with times of law — Frederick Pollock & F. W. Maitland
2 Scots law : a fine or amercement for a violation of law
Explore M-W
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of unlaw
Middle English unlawe, from Old English unlagu, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse ōlög, ūlög illegality, lawlessness, from ō-, ū- un- + lög law — more at law
unlaw
Definition of unlaw
1 Scots law : to impose a fine upon
2 [2un- + law, noun] obsolete : to deprive of the character of a law : annul
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of unlaw
Middle English (Scots) unlawen, from unlawe, noun
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up unlaw? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!