unlaw

noun

un·law | \ "+ \

Definition of unlaw

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

unlaw

transitive verb

\ " \

Definition of unlaw (Entry 2 of 2)

1 Scots law : to impose a fine upon

2 [un- entry 2 + law, noun] obsolete : to deprive of the character of a law : annul

History and Etymology for unlaw

Noun

Middle English unlawe, from Old English unlagu, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse ōlög, ūlög illegality, lawlessness, from ō-, ū- un- + lög law

Transitive verb

Middle English (Scots) unlawen, from unlawe, noun

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Cite this Entry

“Unlaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlaw. Accessed 18 Jun. 2021.

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