unlaw

1 of 2

noun

un·​law
"+
1
: a violation of law : disregard of the restraints of law : illegality, lawlessness
times of unlaw alternate with times of lawFrederick Pollock & F. W. Maitland
2
Scots law : a fine or amercement for a violation of law

unlaw

2 of 2

transitive verb

"
1
Scots law : to impose a fine upon
2
[un- entry 2 + law, noun] obsolete : to deprive of the character of a law : annul

Word History

Etymology

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

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!

Dictionary Entries Near unlaw

Cite this Entry

“Unlaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlaw. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!