| English Dictionary |
LAWFUL
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
| IPA (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does lawful mean?
• LAWFUL (adjective)
The adjective LAWFUL has 4 senses:
1. conformable to or allowed by law
2. according to custom or rule or natural law
3. having a legally established claim
4. authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with law
Familiarity information: LAWFUL used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Conformable to or allowed by law
Context example:
lawful methods of dissent
Similar:
law-abiding; observant ((of individuals) adhering strictly to laws and rules and customs)
Also:
legal (established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules)
square; straight (characterized by honesty and fairness)
Attribute:
lawfulness (the quality of conforming to law)
Antonym:
unlawful (contrary to or prohibited by or defiant of law)
Derivation:
lawfulness (the quality of conforming to law)
Sense 2
Meaning:
According to custom or rule or natural law
Synonyms:
lawful; rule-governed
Similar:
regular (in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Having a legally established claim
Synonyms:
Context example:
the true and lawful king
Similar:
legitimate (of marriages and offspring; recognized as lawful)
Derivation:
lawfulness (the quality of conforming to law)
Sense 4
Meaning:
Authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with law
Synonyms:
lawful; legitimate; licit
Context example:
a legitimate government
Similar:
legal (established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules)
Derivation:
lawfulness (the quality of conforming to law)
Context examples
The Downs swarmed with them, for since there might be no lawful trade betwixt France and England, it had all to run in that channel.
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
He is their lawful property; he fairly belongs to them.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
But whether such happiness were the lawful property of George or Harriet could never be exactly understood.
(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)
They were the lawful prey of any dog.
(White Fang, by Jack London)
And I'll thank you for that bag, Mrs. Crossley, to bring back our lawful money in.
(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)
“You are no very shrewd reasoner, fellow,” quoth the knight; “for if it be within the law for you to threaten him with your club, then it is also lawful for me to threaten you with my sword.”
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
When we came, at last, within a stage of London, and passed the veritable Salem House where Mr. Creakle had laid about him with a heavy hand, I would have given all I had, for lawful permission to get down and thrash him, and let all the boys out like so many caged sparrows.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
I require and charge you both (as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed), that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not lawfully be joined together in matrimony, ye do now confess it; for be ye well assured that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow, are not joined together by God, neither is their matrimony lawful.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
All other animals lived in the Wild, and were, when not too formidable, lawful spoil for any dog.
(White Fang, by Jack London)
He is my lawful son.
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
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