definition
The body of binding rules and regulations, customs and standards established in a community by its legislative and judicial authorities.
example
entrapment is against the law
definition
A binding regulation or custom established in a community in this way.
example
A new law forbids driving on that road.
definition
(more generally) A rule, such as:
definition
The control and order brought about by the observance of such rules.
example
It was a territory without law, marked by violence.
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A person or group that act(s) with authority to uphold such rules and order (for example, one or more police officers).
example
Here comes the law — run!
definition
The profession that deals with such rules (as lawyers, judges, police officers, etc).
example
He is studying for a career in law.
definition
Jurisprudence, the field of knowledge which encompasses these rules.
example
She went to university to study law.
definition
Litigation, legal action (as a means of maintaining or restoring order, redressing wrongs, etc).
example
They were quick to go to law.
definition
An allowance of distance or time (a head start) given to a weaker (human or animal) competitor in a race, to make the race more fair.
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One of two metaphysical forces ruling the world in some fantasy settings, also called order, and opposed to chaos.
definition
An oath sworn before a court, especially disclaiming a debt. (Chiefly in the phrases "wager of law", "wage one's law", "perform one's law", "lose one's law".)